phalera

noun

phal·​era
ˈfalərə
plural phalerae
-əˌrē,
-ˌrī
: a metal boss or disk (as of bronze or silver) worn in ancient times on the heads or breasts of horses or sometimes by men as signs of military rank
also : a cameo worn as an ornament

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek phalara, plural; akin to Greek phalos horn of a helmet and probably to Sanskrit hvarate he bends, hruṇāti he gets lost

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Cite this Entry

“Phalera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phalera. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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