1 ancile | Definition of ancile
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ancile

noun
an·​ci·​le | \ äŋˈkēˌlā, anˈsīlē\
plural ancilia\ äŋˈkilēə , anˈsi-​ \

Definition of ancile

: any of 12 sacred shields of the ancient Romans that were thought to guarantee the preservation of the city

First Known Use of ancile

1579, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ancile

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

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