carbo, ōnis, m. [Sanscr. c)ra, coquere; cf. cremo],
I a coal , charcoal (dead or burning); of dead coals , Cato R. R. 38 fin. ; Plaut. Truc. 5, 12; Ter. Ad. 849; Varr. R. R. 1, 7, 8 al.—Of glowing , burning coals , Cato R. R. 108; Plaut. Rud. 2, 6, 48; Lucr. 6, 802; Cic. Off. 2, 7, 25; Plin. 2, 20, 18, § 82; 16, 10, 19, § 45; Hor. C. 3, 8, 3 al.—
II Meton.
A From the black color of coals are derived the trop. expressions: impleantur elogiorum meae fores carbonibus, i.e. with scurrilous verses , Plaut. Merc. 2, 3, 73: sanin cretā an carbone notati? Hor. S. 2, 3, 246; imitated by Pers. 5, 108 (cf. opp. albus): miror Proelia rubrica picta aut carbone, Hor. S. 2, 7, 98.—
B For something of little value; hence prov.: carbonem pro thesauro invenire, to be deceived in one’s expectation , Phaedr. 5, 6, 6.—
C A bad tumor , Ser. Samm. 39, 725; cf. carbunculus, C.