augustal

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. Under the ancient Roman empire: A priest of the lares at the cross-roads, an office first established by Augustus.
2. n. A priest of a college or brotherhood (sodales Augustales) of members of the imperial house and some other persons of high rank, whose duty it was to maintain the religious rites of the Julian family: instituted by Tiberius.
3. n. A member of a private college or corporation, of which there were many in Rome and throughout the provinces, formed to do reverence, by religious ceremonies and otherwise, to the memory of Augustus, and, at a later date, to pay divine honors to the reigning emperor also. The office of augustal became hereditary, and carried with it the assessment of certain public dues, and the giving to the public of stated feasts and shows. The augustals wore distinctive ornaments, had places of honor in the theaters, and enjoyed other privileges.
4. n. Under the early empire, a general name for subaltern officers of the legion.
5. n. The name of an Italian gold coin, weighing from 30 to 40 grains, issued in the thirteenth century by the emperor Frederick II. as king of Sicily. It bears a resemblance to gold coins of the ancient Roman empire.