augustal
|au-gus-tal|
🇺🇸
/əˈɡʌstəl/
🇬🇧
/ɔːˈɡʌstəl/
venerable; imperial/majestic
Etymology
'augustal' originates from Latin, specifically the Medieval Latin word 'augustalis', ultimately from 'augustus' where 'augustus' meant 'venerable' or 'consecrated'.
'augustal' changed from the Medieval Latin 'augustalis' (used for things pertaining to Augustus or consecrated) and entered English in forms influenced by Medieval/late Latin usage, leading to the modern English 'augustal'. The medieval term also named the gold 'augustale' issued in the 13th century.
Initially it meant 'pertaining to Augustus or consecrated'; over time it broadened to mean 'majestic or venerable' in general and kept specialized historical senses (imperial cult official; medieval coin).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of the Augustales, the municipal priestly collegia associated with the imperial cult in Roman towns (rare/historical usage).
An augustal presided over rites honoring the emperor in the ancient city.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a medieval gold coin (also spelled 'augustale' or 'augustalis') — specifically the gold coin issued by Frederick II of Sicily in the 13th century (rare/historical usage).
The museum displayed an augustal from the 13th century.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
majestic, venerable, or dignified in manner or appearance.
The ceremony had an augustal atmosphere that impressed all attendees.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
relating to the Roman emperor Augustus or the imperial cult (pertaining to Augustus or his honors).
Scholars studied augustal inscriptions from the provincial towns.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/19 05:28