Pygmaei

A New Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis Ph.D. and Charles Short, LL. D.

Pygmaei, ōrum, m., = Πυγμαῖοι (qs. Fistlings, Tom Thumbs),

I the Pygmies , a fabulous dwarfish race of antiquity , especially in Africa; at war with the cranes , by whom they were constantly defeated , Mel. 3, 8, 8; Plin. 6, 30, 35, § 188; 4, 11, 18, § 44; 5, 29, 29, § 109; Gell. 9, 4, 10.—Hence,

II Pyg-maeus , a, um, adj., Pygmaean : mater, i. e. the queen of the Pygmies , Gerane or Oenoe , Ov. M. 6, 90: sanguis, id. F. 6, 176: virgo, a female dwarf , Juv. 6, 505: bellator, id. 13, 167.