aurīga, ae (aureax, Paul. ex Fest p. 8 Müll.), comm. (cf. Prisc. p. 677 P.) [aurea ago], pr.,
I he that handles the reins.
I.A A charioteer , driver (syn.: agitator, agaso), Verg. A. 12, 624; Hor. C. 1, 15, 26; id. S. 1, 1, 115; Ov. M. 2, 327; id. Am. 3, 12, 37; Vulg 3 Reg. 22, 34; ib. 4 Reg. 2, 12; ib. 2 Par. 18, 13 al.—Also, a groom , hostler , Verg. A. 12, 85.—In fem. : nec currus usquam videt aurigamque sororem, Verg. A. 12, 918.—Also, one who contended in the chariot-race , a charioteer in the games of the circus (the four parties of whom were distinguished by the colors, Veneta, blue , Prasina, green , Alba, white , and Russea sive Russata, red; cf Cassiod. Var 3, 51; Gesn. Plin. Ep. 9, 6, 2): auriga indoctus, Cic. Rep. Fragm. ap. Non. p. 292, 32 (p. 328 Mos.); so Suet. Aug. 43; id. Calig. 54; id. Vit. 12; id. Dom. 7.—
B Transf.
1 As a constellation, the Wagoner , Gr. Ἡνίοχος, Cic. N. D. 2, 43, 110; Hyg. Astr. 3, 12; Col. 11, 2, 73.—
2 Poet, a pilot , helmsman : aurigam video vela dedisse rati, Ov. Tr 1, 4, 16.—
II Trop., director , leader : velut auriga rectrixque membrorum anima, Col. 11, 2, 9.