Paterae

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Patera \Pat"e*ra\, n.; pl. {Pater[ae]}(?). [L., fr. patere to
     lie open.]
     1. A saucerlike vessel of earthenware or metal, used by the
        Greeks and Romans in libations and sacrifices.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. (Arch.) A circular ornament, resembling a dish, often
        worked in relief on friezes, and the like.
        [1913 Webster]