ancile

noun

an·​ci·​le
äŋˈkēˌlā,
anˈsīlē
plural ancilia
äŋˈkilēə,
anˈsi-
: any of 12 sacred shields of the ancient Romans that were thought to guarantee the preservation of the city

Word History

Etymology

Latin, probably from ancidere to cut around, from an- (variant of ambi- around) + -cidere (from caedere to cut)

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancile was in 1579

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Dictionary Entries Near ancile

-ancies

ancile

ancilla

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ancile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancile. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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