Pompeian Households: Glossary

(Gk = Greek, It = Italian, La = Latin)

a cassonetto see cassonetta (It)
a ghianta probably a ghianda (gland or acorn shaped) (It)
a palla ball shaped (It)
a muro probably refers to cupboard against wall (It)
a sanguisuga in form of leech (It)
a stelo probably stem or shank of implement (It)
abbeveratoi plural of abbeveratoio (It)
abbeveratoio drinking trough; refers to small, ceramic, conical vessel with narrow mouth and presumed to have been for birds (see Allison 1999b:67-68) (It)
accetta hatchet or axe (It)
acocella see agucella (It)
acquario water-containing fixture such as aquarium, sink, or basin (It)
acroterion ornament on roof ridge in Classical building (Gk)
ad birillo da biglardo turaceioletto probably stopper similar to small billiard ball (It)
aedicula small structure used as shrine (La)
aedile magistrate who superintended public buildings
aedilis see aedile (La)
ago needle; sometimes refers to large pin (It)
ago crinale probably hairpin (It)
ago saccale probably sacking or bagging needle, possibly curved (It)
agucella small, pointed instrument, probably an awl (It)
ala wing; refers to open-fronted room off one side of atrium (La)
alabastron refers to small flask with elongated body, presumed to have been used for perfume; see unguentarium (see Kanowski 1984:14-17) (Gk)
ambulatio place for walking (La)
amphora two-handled vessel; usually refers to large conical or ovoid jar used for transporting wine and oil (Gk)
amphoretta diminutive of amphora (It)
amphoriskos diminutive of amphora (Gk)
ampolla diminutive of amphora (It)
ampollino diminutive of ampolla (It)
andron men&singlequote;s room in Greek house (Gk)
anforina diminutive of amphora (It)
angolare probably refers to angled strip of metal or corner piece; see banda angolare (It)
Anodonta cygnaea fresh water bivalve mollusk (Reese 2002: 311-12 no. 58) (La)
anta square pilaster to each side of doorway or at corner of building
antae plural of anta
antecamera antechamber (It)
antefix ornament on eave or cornice used to conceal ends of roof tiles
apodyterium used for dressing room in bath complex (La)
apotheca storeroom (Gk)
arca chest, box, or safe (see Allison 1999b:60-61) (La)
arcae plural of arca (La)
architectural openings area of wall decoration consisting of architectural elements against white background that create illusion that wall has opened up to reveal architectural vistas
arco arch or bow (It)
ardiglione tongue of buckle or fastening pin of brooch (It)
ardigno probably ordigno, instrument or utensil of unspecified function (It)
aretta small altar (It)
armadio cupboard, wardrobe (It)
armarium cupboard, closet (La)
armilla ring, hoop, or armlet (La)
arnese tool, implement, or utensil (It)
arnese a bilanciola weighing implement (It)
arpioncello small harpoon, hook, or spike (It)
artigiano artisan (It)
arula small altar; refers to terra-cotta altar or possibly incense burner, often with tripod legs (La)
aryballos refers to small globular bottle, possibly for carrying oil to bath (see Borriello et al. 1986:178, No. 48) (Gk)
askos refers to ceramic vase resembling a wine skin (see Kanowski, 1984:30-32; Borriello et al. 1986:178, No. 43) reportedly an oil flask used for personal hygiene) (Gk)
as/asse unit of money (comparable to penny or cent) (La)
asticciuola handle (It)
astuccio case, box, or container (It)
atramentarium container for ink, as in inkwell or inkpot (La)
atriensis overseer of atrium (La)
atriolum diminutive for atrium (La)
atrium forecourt, hall, or principal room; used for front hall with central opening in roof (La)
attaccaglie probably fasteners (It)
attingitoio handled vessel like cup, used for drawing water; refers to ladle (It)
authepsa self-cooker, such as urn; boiler (Gk)
Bacchante maenads and/or satyrs; companions of Bacchus (It)
bacheca showcase or display case (It)
bacile large dish or basin, usually with central hole, used for washing; or echinus of Doric column (rounded molding forming bell of capital) (It)
bacinella small basin (It)
bacino basin; used for puteal cover (It)
balineum bath, bathing place (La)
balsamarium container for fragrances and perfumes; refers to small, narrow glass bottle; see unguentarium (La)
balteo belt, girdle, or shoulder band (It).
banda strip or band, probably for reinforcing door or edge of piece of furniture (It)
banda angolare corner band; probably refers to metal reinforcing strip folded along its length to trim and to protect edges of wooden furniture (chest, for example) (It)
bandella diminutive of banda (It)
barbazzale chain, possibly from horse&singlequote;s bridle (It)
bardiglio dark colored (grey or bluish) and variegated marble (It)
basetta small base, support, or stand (It)
basettina diminutive of basetta (It)
battente lock guard, leaf of door or window casement (La)
Bedienstetenatrium service atrium (Gr)
bianco paonazzo white, purple-veined marble
bicchiere vessel, probably in form of tumbler or drinking glass (It)
bicchietta diminutive of bicchiere (It)
biclinium refers to room with space for two dining couches only (La)
bilico balance or pivot (It)
bisturi lancet (It)
bocca mouth or hole (It)
boccale jug or tankard (It)
boccaletto diminutive of boccale (It)
boccetta small bottle or flask (It)
boccettina diminutive of boccetta (It)
bocco di pozzo well-head (It)
bombilio probably means rounded or globular; refers to small vase, with restricted neck (It)
borsa bag or purse (It)
borsetta diminutive of borsa (It)
bottega workshop (It)
bottiglia bottle or flask (It)
bottiglietta diminutive of bottiglia (It)
bottone button or counter; refers to small disk or hemispherical counter with or without central hole (It)
bottoni plural of bottonie (It)
bracciale bracelet or arm band (It)
braccialetto diminutive of bracciale (It)
brocca vase or jug for liquids (It)
brocchetta diminutive of brocca (It)
buccina marina probably seashell in form of trumpet (La)
bucrana plural of bucranium (La)
bucranium used for bull&singlequote;s horns or symbols of bull&singlequote;s horns, often as religious regalia (La)
bulla amulet or pendant worn by boys of free birth (La)
cagnolino small dog or puppy (It)
calamaio inkpot; refers to small, bronze, cylindrical, ceramic pot, sometimes with traces of ink (It)
calcestruzzo refers to lime mortar pavement with matrix of limestone chips; also called opus caementium (It)
caldaio large metal receptacle for boiling water; probably refers to cooking pot or cauldron (It)
caldarium generally refers to hot room in bath complex (La)
calderotto diminutive of caldaio; defined as cauldron (Annecchino 1977a:108, Pl. 50.1); refers to large, bronze vessel, probably cooking pot (for example,Tassinari 1979:231; Borriello et al. 1986:176, No. 33) (It)
calice chalice or glass drinking vessel (It)
calida piscina heated swimming pool (La)
calotta hemispherical vessel shaped like a cap (It)
cancella probably cancello; refers to closing system for door, such as a chain or gate (It)
candelabra plural of candelabrum (La)
candelabrum candlestick, chandelier, or lampstand; refers to tall, bronze lampstands (La)
canile reportedly a dog kennel (It)
canna metrica measuring rod or ruler (It)
cannula small cane or rod (It)
caraffa carafe or decanter for wine or liquids (It)
caraffina diminutive of carafa (It)
caraffinetta diminutive of caraffina (It)
caravissa unidentified characteristic of iron pickaxe (It)
cardine pivot or pivot plate for base of structural door hinges (La)
carro cart or wagon (It)
cartibulum oblong stone table on pedestal (Varro De ling. lat. 5, 125); refers to marble table found in front hall (see Allison 1999b:61-62) (La)
cartoccio cone-shaped container or bag; refers to conical piece, probably part of another object (It)
cassa chest, case, or box (It)
cassa forte strongbox or safe (It)
casseruola saucepan; refers to bronze, hemispherical pan with long, horizontal handle from lip (Allison 1999b:67) (It)
casseruole plural of casseruola (It)
cassetta diminutive of cassa, small chest, case, or box open on one side (It)
cassettino diminutive of cassetta (It)
cassone large case or chest; wooden framework (It)
cassonetta diminutive of cassone; small box (It)
cassotto shelter (It)
catenaccio bolt for closing door (It)
catillus small dish or plate; refers to upper, disk-shaped part of grinding stone (La)
catino basin, usually circular and probably used for liquids or cooking (It)
cavaedium/cava aedium inner court of house (La)
cella storeroom, cell (La)
cellae familiaricae refers to servants&singlequote; rooms (La)
cella ostiaria refers to room inside entranceway, reportedly for ostiarius (La)
cella penaria room for provisions or storeroom (La)
cella vinaria wine cellar or room (La)
cenaculum upper story, originally a dining-room (La)
cenacula plural of cenaculum (La)
cenatorium dining room (La)
cerchietto diminutive of cerchio (It)
cerchio circle, ring, hoop, or loop (It)
cesoia a molla shears with sprung handle (It)
cestello crate or small basket (It)
Charonia nodifera see Triton nodiferus
chiavetta small key (It)
chiavistello latch or bolt for door (It)
chiodo nail, rivet, stud, or peg (It)
ciotola bowl or cup (It)
ciotolina diminutive of ciotola (It)
ciottolino diminutive of ciottolo (It)
ciottolo stone, pebble, or small round object (It)
cista chest, box, or basket (It)
cisternola diminutive of cistern (It)
cliens personal dependent or client (La)
cocciopesto refers to lime mortar with matrix of crushed pottery and tile, often used for pavements; also referred to as opus signinum (Richardson 1988a:433) (It)
cofanetto diminutive of cofano (It)
cofano large coffer, chest, or box (It)
coffetta small box or casket (It)
cognomen surname, family name (La)
colabrodo seive, strainer, or colander (It)
colatoio strainer or seive (It)
colonnette small column (It)
coltellaccio large knife or pointed dagger, often with curved tip (It)
coltello knife or cutter (It)
compluvium opening in center of roof through which rainwater was collected in impluvium (see Mau 1899:244; MacKay 1977:17, 22) (La)
conca large basin or tub (It)
conchetta diminutive of conca (It)
conchiglia shell or conch (It)
contrapiastra probably lock plate or guard (It)
coppa cup, glass, or bowl (It)
coppetta diminutive of coppa (It)
coppettina diminutive of coppetta (It)
coppie possibly pairs of beads (It)
cornicetta small cornice (It)
cortile courtyard (It)
cortiletto diminutive of cortile (It)
cothurnus high shoe, possibly laced (La)
creta con uova literally, clay with eggs; possibly refers to either clay used to protect eggs or to mixture used as pigment for painting (It)
crinale see ago crinale (It)
cristallo a campana bell-shaped glass (It)
crusta crust or hard surface; refers to remains of what was probably a bone plaque (It)
cryptoporticus enclosed gallery or subterranean passage (La)
cubicula plural of cubiculum (La)
cubiculo diurno refers to daytime bedroom; room for siesta (It from La)
cubiculum used for sleeping room (La)
cubiculum diurnum used for daytime sleeping room (La)
culina kitchen (La)
cuscinetto small cushion (It)
cuspide cusp, point, or lance (It)
cuspide di lancia tip or point of lance (It)
dado dice or cube (It)
denarius coin originally worth ten asse (La)
dente tooth or tusk (It)
dispensa pantry or larder (It)
dolio italianization of dolium (It)
dolium large, wide-mouthed globular jar; refers to very large ceramic jar (La)
dolia plural of dolium (La)
Dolium galea species of mollusk; classified as Tonna galea (Reese 2002: 298-99 no. 16)
dominus master, lord, owner of household (La)
dormitorii servili slaves' bedrooms (La)
duovir member of a board of two persons, two magistrates (La)
dupondio italianization of dupondius (It)
Efebo italianization of Ephebus (It)
emblema embossed work, relief, or raised ornament (La)
Ephebus Greek youth, strictly between ages of sixteen and twenty (La)
exedra hall (La)
falce scythe, sickle, or crescent (It)
fantastic architecture architectural elements in Roman wall painting that have no structural reality
fascetta/faschetta diminutive of fascia (It)
fascia strip or band; refers to folded strip of bronze that acted as bracket to attach hinge to door (It)
fauces throat, jaws entrance; refers to house entrance or corridor (La)
febo from epithet for Apollo-Phoebus, used for piece of furniture with cylindrical stem and four folding feet, probably lampstand or folding stool (It)
ferramento iron implement, fitting, or harness (It)
ferratura iron objects or elements (It)
ferro di spranga probably part of iron bolt or bar (It)
fiaschetta diminutive of fiasco (It)
fiasco bottle or flask; refers to glass bottle generally larger than balsamarium or alabastron (It)
fibula refers variously to buckle, brooch, or clasp resembling a safety pin (see Ricci 1985: Pl. 60.7) (La)
fibuletta diminutive of fibula (It)
filettatura border, edging, or trimming (It)
fior di persica red, white, and dark grey brecciated marble from Euboea (Gnoli 1971: fig. 128) (It)
fistula pipe, tube, or water pipe (La)
focolare hearth or furnace (It)
focolaretto diminutive of focolare (It)
fodero di gladio sheath or covering for a sword or weapon (It/La)
foglietta small leaf or sheet (It)
fontanina small fountain (It)
forbici scissor, shears, or secateurs (It)
forma di pasticceria pastry mold; refers to both shell-shaped and elliptical bronze vessel (Allison 1999b:66-67) (It)
fornacetta diminutive of forno (It)
fornello object or cavity that contained combustible material; refers to open-fronted, semicircular masonry structure, sometimes plastered (It)
fornelli plural of fornello (It)
forno oven, stove, or furnace (It)
frigidarium cold area in bath complex (La)
fritillo italianization of fritillus (It)
fritillus dice box; refers to small ceramic vase assumed to have been a dice thrower (see Allison 1999b: 62-63) (La)
fruttiera fruit stand or fruit bowl; refers to large, shallow, quasi-elliptical (or figure eight-shaped), basket-like bronze dish with upright articulated handles (It)
fusaiola spindle whorl (It)
fusaiuolo see fusaiola (It)
fuseruolo spindle (It)
fusello small bead, probably shaped like a bobbin (It)
fusorium drain or sink (La)
gancetto diminutive of gancio (It)
gancio hook formed from folded rod (It)
gartibulum see cartibulum (La)
genius tutelary or attendant spirit assigned to person at birth, or place (La)
gens family, clan (La)
gettatoio probably waste-disposal area, spout, or drain (It)
ghiera probably circle or ring that formed a reinforcement (It)
giallo antico yellow, brecciated marble (It)
giogo yoke or beam (It)
Giornale degli Scavi excavation report (It)
Giornali degli Scavi plural of Giornale degli Scavi (It)
globetto small sphere, globe, or ball (It)
grande sala tricliniare large dining room; see sala tricliniare (It)
grappa hook, bracket, or reinforcing piece (It)
guardispigoli plural of guardispigolo (It)
guardispigolo corner guard; refers to L- or U-shaped metal fitting with eyelet for attachment with nails or screws, reportedly corner guard for furniture but this may not be accurate (It)
guarnimento trimming, ornament, or decoration (It)
guarnizione trimming or decoration (It)
gubbia possibly sgorbia: chisel (It)
guctus probably guttus (La)
guttus narrow-necked flask from which liquids, such as oil, are dropped (see Varro De ling. lat. 5,1 24) (La)
herm squared pillar surmounted with head or bust
hippocampus sea monster composed of the forepart of a horse and the tail of a fish (La)
hippocampi plural of hippocampus (La)
hortus garden, park (La)
hortulus small garden (La)
hydria water carrier; refers to large jar with three handles (Kanowski 1984: 38-42) (Gk)
images mask of ancestor, particularly one who had held high office (La)
immanicatura handle (It)
impluvium water-catchment area in center of atrium, beneath compluvium (see Mau 1899:244; MacKay 1977:17) (La)
impugnatura handle (It)
in bighe in two-horse vehicle (It)
in foglia probably refers to gold leaf (It)
incastro joint; refers to opening, cavity, or incision into which something had been inserted (It)
inferriata grill or grating (It)
infundiibula possibly terminal or base ((La)
insula island or isle; refers to area of buildings surrounded by streets (that is, a city block) (La)
instrumentum domesticum household apparatus (La)
intelaiatura lignea wooden framework (It)
kalathiskos diminutive of kalathos; refers to small vessels with flat bases, flaring walls, and projecting lip (Kanowski 1984: 44-46) (Gk)
kantharos refers to cup-shaped vessel, often with stemmed foot and high handles (Kanowski 1984:48-51) (Gk)
kernos refers to dish, possibly pedestaled, with multiple small vessels attached to tops; or bowl with base and horizontal handles (Kanowski 1984:52-55) (Gk)
krater refers to large bowl with open mouth (Kanowski 1984:58-62) (Gk)
krateriskos diminutive of krater (Gk)
kylix refers to cup with comparatively wide, shallow body (Kanowski 1984:78-84) (Gk)
labrum basin, tub, or vat associated with washing; refers to large, relatively flat marble or bronze basin (La)
laconicum sweating room in bath complex (La)
lacrimatoio vessel in shape of teardrop (It)
lagena flask or flagon with rounded body, handles, and narrow neck (see Allison 1999b:63-65) (La)
laminetta diminutive of lamina (It)
lancia lance (It)
lapilli plural of lapillo (It)
lapillo small stone or pebble of volcanic ash (It)
lararia plural of lararium (La)
lararium shrine to household gods, Lares; refers to aedicula or painting depicting Lares (see Mau 1899:262-267) (La)
Lares household gods, domestic deities, protecting deities of household or city (La)
lastra slab, plate, or strip (It)
lastretta diminutive of lastra (It)
lastrina diminutive of lastra (It)
laterizio brick or tile; used for pavement made of plaster and crushed tiles or bricks (It)
lavagna probably slate (It)
lavapesta refers to lime mortar similar to cocciopesto but including stones (It)
lebes/lebete refers to large, deep basin with rounded base, believed to be for carrying washing water (see Kanowski 1984, 86-88; for example, Annecchino 1977a:109-10, Pl. 52.7) (Gk)
lectus bed or couch (La)
lekythos vase, flask, or jug, usually with narrow neck (Gk)
lettisternio table or bench used in religious ceremonies (It)
Lichthof light well (Gr)
linguetta di porta possibly small tongue or reinforcing strip from door (It)
listello fillet, or small band or strip (It)
loggia building open on one or more sides with pillars or columns, often meeting place (It)
lucchetto small lock or padlock (It)
Lutraria shellfish species classification (Reese 2002)
oblonga nd) (La)
macinello reportedly small grindstone (It)
manicotto tube, as sleeve or coupling (It)
mappa di chiave bit from a key for a mortice lock (It)
martello hammer (It)
martello picconcino probably small pick with hammerhead (It)
materiale erruttivo volcanic material (It)
mensa table or board (La)
mensa portabile portable table or stand (It)
mensola bracket or structural support (It)
mescitoio probably refers to utensil for stirring or mixing (It)
mezzabase literally "half base" (It)
modio italianization of modius (It)
modiolus refers to vessel believed to have been used for measuring (La)
modius measure; refers to cup-like vessel; believed to have been used for measuring its contents (La)
monopodio stand or table with single leg (It)
mortaio basin or dish, reportedly used as mortar (It)
nasiterna refers to jug (It)
Nocera tufa tufa from the area of Nuceria, to the south of Pompeii (It)
nobile e signorile noble and elegant (It)
nymphaeum temple or shrine of Nymphs (La)
occipito back of head (It)
odorino refers to small vessel, reportedly for containing perfume (It)
oecus hall or salon (La)
officina (work)shop (It)
oinochoe refers to bronze or ceramic jug, believed to be for wine (see Kanowski 1984:108-11) (Gk)
oleare jug, reportedly for oil (It)
oliarolo probably refers to jug, reportedly for oil (It)
olla jar or pot used for cooking or storing food (It)
olletta diminutive of olla (It)
olpe oil flask or jug, probably refers to round-mouthed jug (Gk)
olpetta diminutive of olpe (It)
omphalos refers to boss or raised center (Gk)
opus caementium see calcestruzzo (La)
opus craticum wattlework (see Vitruvius, 2, 8.20); refers to wall construction consisting of timbered framework with concrete aggregate fill (La)
opus incertum used for concrete work, faced with stones in no fixed pattern (La)
opus sectile used for pavements that have colored marble slabs, often in geometric shapes, arranged in pattern (La)
opus signinum see cocciopesto (La)
opus spicatum herringbone pattern brickwork used for pavement (see Vitruvius 7, 1, 4) (La)
orcio jug, generally rounded with two handles (It)
orciuolo diminutive of orcio (It)
ostiarius doorkeeper, porter (La)
ostium door, entrance (La)
ovoli plural of ovolo (It)
ovolo egg shaped; refers to ovoid molding in architecture (It)
padella plate, flat pan, or frying pan; refers to shallow bronze pan with long handle and pouring lip (for example, Borriello et al. 1986:178, No. 36) (It)
pal literally palm; unit of measurement equal to hand&singlequote;s width (26.4 cm) (It)
paletta small pan or shovel with handle (It)
palettina diminutive of paletta (It)
palina probably rod with measurements marked out (It)
pallina small ball or marble (It)
palo probably pala, shovel (It)
panello small loaf, probably counterweight (It)
pastiglia small, diskid block such as tablet or lozenge (It)
patera low bowl or flattened dish, saucer, libation dish; refers to bronze shallow-bowled vessel with central boss and horizontal, cylindrical handle, often terminating in ram&singlequote;s head (for example, Borriello et al. 1986:176, Nos. 19-20; 178. Nos. 46-47) (La)
pateretta diminutive of patera (It)
patronus patron, protector, defender (La)
pavonazzetto purple-colored marble (It)
Pecten mollusc, like scallop, see Pecten jacobeaus (Reese, nd)
Pecten jacobaeus mollusc (Reese 2002: 303-4 no. 29)
pedana raised platform, literally place for putting one&singlequote;s feet; used for surface that may have been hearth (It)
pelta shield; refers to ornamental motif resembling shield (La)
pelvi basin, generally large and circular, see pelvis (It)
pelvis basin, particularly for washing (La)
penaria see cella penaria (La)
Penates guardian gods of family (La)
pentola deep cooking pot (It)
pentolino diminutive of pentola (It)
per reti for making netting (It)
peripteral having single row of columns surrounding it, colonnaded
peristylum open court surrounded by colonnade (La)
perno pivot, stud, pin, or hinge (It)
Phalum granulatum undulatia shellfish, species classification (Reese 2002: 298 no. 15)
phiale broad, flat vessel used for holding liquids (Gk)
piano per fornello platform for small stove or furnace (It)
piastra plate or strip; often refers to sheet of metal, possibly lock plate or similar (It)
piastrina diminutive of piastra (It)
piatta see piatto (It)
piattello diminutive of piatto (It)
piattina diminutive of piatta (It)
piattino diminutive of piatto (It)
piatto flat object, usually dish or plate (It)
picconcino diminutive of piccone (It)
piccone pick or pickaxe (It)
piede romano probably used for rod of one Roman foot (It)
pietra di Caserta probably limestone from region of Caserta (It)
pietra Nocera tufa from region of Nocera (It)
pietra sarnese limestone from region of Sarno (It)
pietra vesuviana volcanic rock or lava from Mt. Vesuvius (La)
pietrone diminutive of pietra, stone or rock (It)
pignatta pot (It)
pignattino diminutive of pignatta (It)
pilastrino small column or pilaster (It)
pinacotheca picture gallery (Gk)
Pinctada margaritifera classification for shellfish species from Red Sea (Reese 2002)
pinza pliers, pincers, tweezers, or forceps (It)
pinzetta diminutive of pinza (It)
piombino diminutive of piombo (It)
piombo refers to a small weight or probably to a seal or repair of stone, in lead (It)
pisside box or vase for religious purposes; see pyxis (It)
pistello pestle (It)
placca ornamental plate or disk (It)
podium raised platform
poggetta diminutive of poggia (It)
poggia mound or hill, possibly as a support (It)
poggiuola diminutive of poggia (It)
poggiuolo diminutive of poggia (It)
polvere di signino signinum powder (It)
pomello diminutive of pomo (It)
pomettino diminutive of pomo (It)
pometto diminutive of pomo (It)
pomo head, pommel, or knob (It)
portamoneta money carrier, usually purse, but seems to refer to money box (It)
Portasanta fleshy pink and grey brecciated marble from island of Chios (Gnoli 1971:129-131) (It)
portauova probably refers to vessel with number of depressions; similar to modern egg container (It)
porticus covered walkway between columns (La)
portières doors; probably refers either to folding doors or curtains (Fr)
posticum back door (La)
pozzo nero cesspit (It)
pozzolana volcanic ash from Pozzuoli, used to make cement (It)
programmata A written notice, proclamation, or edict, posted up in a public place; a public notice (La)
praefurnium furnace, or heating room in bath complex (see Vitruvius 5, 10) (La)
predella refers to area of wall painting immediately above socle zone
predellae plural of predella
procoe italianization of prochous (Gk): a jug (It)
procoeton antechamber (Gk)
procurator manager, agent, deputy
provino test tube; used for long glass tubes (It)
pseudo-peristyle partially colonnaded
pugnale dagger (It)
pugnaletto diminutive of pugnale (It)
puntale point or terminal, possibly as reinforcement or protection (It)
puteal refers to stone or terra-cotta cylinder protecting cistern head
pyxis refers to small box-like container with lid, often cylindrical or spherical (see Kanowski 1984:126-128) (Gk)
quadrante smallest coin, a quarter of an as (La)
quadretto small square; refers to painting or picture (It)
rampino hook (It)
raschiatoio scraper or razor (It)
raschietto scraper (It)
recante possibly refers to carinated vessel or to profile of rim (It)
repositorium used for storeroom (La)
retrobottega back room to shop or workshop (It)
rialzo rise or support (It)
ripostiglio hiding place; used for storeroom (It)
ritieni ad occhio refers to part of locking device, probably clasp from small chest or casket (for example, Crummy 1983:125, Fig. 137) (It)
rocchetto reel or sprocket (It)
romano counterweight from set of scales (It)
ronca see roncola (It)
ronche plural of ronca (It)
ronciglio knife or hook (It)
ronco see roncola (It)
roncola type of gardening or pruning knife (It)
roncolo see roncola (It)
rondella disk with central hole, such as washer or spindle whorl (It)
rosetta rosette or washer (It)
rosone ornament or medallion composed of vegetal motifs (It)
rosso antico dark red marble (It)
saccale see ago saccale (It)
sala tricliniare dining room; see triclinium (It)
salsiere sauce boat (It)
salutatio greeting, salutation, formal morning reception between patron and clients (La)
scalae flight of steps, stairs (La)
scatola box, tin, container (It)
scatoletto diminutive of scatola (It)
scenae frons theater or stage façade (La)
scilte unidentified, possibly refers to blade of spatula or lancet
sciva iron part of chest, possibly lock or lock bolt (It)
scodella bowl or deep plate (It)
scodelletta diminutive of scodella (It)
scodellina diminutive of scodella (It)
scodellino diminutive of scodella (It)
scure axe or hatchet (It)
scure a martello hammer-headed axe; refers to double-headed tool (for example, Gaitzsch 1980:90, Pl. 13.62, who identifies this type of tool as a mason&singlequote;s hammer) (It)
sedia seat or chair (It)
sedile seat or chair (It)
sediolino diminutive of sedile (It)
sediolum bench or stool (La)
seditoia seat, possibly latrine (It)
seggiolino small seat (It)
semis half a denarius (La)
serbatoio tank or barrel (It)
sestesius coin originally worth two-and-a-half asse (La)
sgabello probably refers to stool or footstool (It)
signinum see cocciopesto (La)
siphunculus small pipe from which water springs forth (La)
situla conical vessel resembling bucket; refers to ordinary domestic bucket (for example, White 1975:188-190), as well as more elaborate examples (for example, Borriello et al. 1986:186, No. 102) (La)
skyphos refers to deep cup with two handles and possible low foot (Kanowski 1984: 136-139) (Gk)
socle plain plinth forming foundation of wall
socle zone painted socle or dado in lower part of wall decoration
solarium part of house exposed to sun (La)
spalliera supporting part of bed, couch, or chair, such as back, head, foot, or armrest (It)
specillo probe (It)
spillone large pin possibly with decorated head, like hat pin (It)
sponda edge of bed, possibly similar to spalliera (It)
Spondylus gaederopus mollusk, spiny oyster, species classification (Reese 2002: 304-5 no. 32)
Spondylus scederopus mollusk, species classification (Reese 2002)
spranga bar or bolt (It)
stabulum standing place, stall, or stable (La)
stadera scales, specifically steelyard (see Zimmer [1982:105, No. 14; 119, No. 30] for types used by butchers and bakers) (It)
stadera campano finial for stadera (It)
staffa probably bracket or reinforcing piece (It)
stanza tricliniare dining-room (It)
stecca small stick, strip, or splinter (It)
stibadium refers to masonry dining couches in garden areas (see Dunbabin 1991) (La)
stilus pointed instrument used for writing (La)
stipo cabinet or cupboard (It)
stondati probably rounded (It)
strigil instrument with curved blade used to scrape sweat and dirt from skin before bath
stufa stove (It)
taberna hut, cabin, shop, place of business (La)
tablinum balcony, terrace, or room open to air; room where archives were kept; picture gallery; used for open room at end of front hall (La)
tabulinum balcony, terrace, or other floored space in open air; place where family records are kept; picture gallery; see tablinum (La)
targa plate, often with inscription; probably refers to small flat piece (It)
tasta metal rod with head (It)
tavola table, board, plank, or slab (It)
tavoletta diminutive of tavola; tablet (It)
tazza cup or large coppa (It)
tazzettino diminutive of tazza (It)
tazzina diminutive of tazza (It)
tazzolina diminutive of tazza (It)
tegame frying pan (It)
tegamino diminutive of tegame (It)
temperino small knife, such as penknife or pocket knife (It)
tenaglia pincers, tongs, or pliers (It)
tepidarium warm bath or warm room in bath complex (La)
terra sigillata particular type of red, burnished pottery from Roman period, with stamped or relief decoration, often with maker&singlequote;s stamp at base (It)
terrazzino small terrace (It)
tessera small tablet, token, dice, or cube; refers to pieces of mosaic or other decorated pavement (La)
tesserae plural of tessera (La)
testudinate shaped like tortoise; refers to atria that have no central opening in roof
theca case, sheath, envelope, or container; refers to small bronze container, generally rectangular or cylindrical (Gk)
tibia flute (It)
tino vat, tub, or large basin (It)
tondino diminutive of tondo (It)
tondo circular, flat object or disk; often refers to inside base of open dish or plate (It)
toppa patch or keyhole (It)
trapezoforo four-legged support from piece of furniture (It)
triclinio estivo summer triclinium (It)
triclinium refers to three-sided couch for reclining at meals; dining room that had space for three dining couches (La)
triens third part of an as (La)
Triton nodiferus species of mollusk now classified as Charonia nodifera (Reese 2002: 293-95 no. 3)
tronco trunk, shaft, or stem (It)
tuba tuba or tube (It)
tubicino diminutive of tubo (It)
tubo tube or pipe (It)
tuono unidentified; literally sound, tune, rumble, or thunderbolt (It)
unctorium used for anointing room (La)
unguentaria plural of unguentarium (La)
unguentarium container of perfumes or unguents; refers to small glass bottle, often long and thin with restricted neck (see Isings 1957:24) (La)
urceo italianization of urceus (It)
urceolo diminutive of urceo (It)
urceus jug or jar; reportedly used for carrying water (La)
urna larger jar or urn, as in cinerary urn (La)
vasca tub or tank (It)
vaschetta diminutive of vasca
vasetto diminutive of vaso (It)
vasettino diminutive of vasetto (It)
vaso vessel, probably in form of vase, pot, or jar (It)
vaso da vino vessel reputedely used for wine (It)
vassoio round or oval tray or open, shallow dish, usually large (It)
vasum piperatorium vessel presumably resembling modern pepper shaker or container (La)
veneziana pavement of crushed and packed pieces of colored limestone and marble, sometimes in lavapesta or cocciopesto matrix (La)
vestibulum enclosed space at front of house; refers to entranceway to Pompeian house (La)
viridarium pleasure-garden, plantation of trees; refers to garden area of house (La)
xystus colonnade, garden terrace, shaded walk (La)
zeccola possibly refers to unidentifiable metal remains in accretion (It)
zotheca little private chamber, closet, cabinet, recess, or niche (Gk)