cŏlumbārĭus, a, um, adj. [columba], pertaining to doves; only subst.,
I cŏ-lumbārĭus , ii, m., a dove-keeper , Varr. R. R. 2, 7, 7; 3, 7, 5.—
II cŏlumbārĭum , ii, n.
A A dove-cot , pigeon-house , Varr. R. R. 3, 7, 4 sq.; Col. 8, 8, 3; 8, 8, 6; 8, 11, 3; Pall. 1, 24; Plin. 19, 9, 6, § 51; Dig. 10, 2, 8, § 1.—
B Transf.
1 In archit., the gain or mortise in which rafters or joists lie , Vitr. 4, 2, 4.—
2 A hole near the axle of a water-wheel , Vitr. 10, 9, 2.—
3 An opening in the side of a vessel for the oars to pass through , a rowlock; plur. : columbaria in summis lateribus navium loca concava, per quae eminent remi, Isid. Orig. 19, 2, 3; cf. Fest. p. 169, 8.
VIII —Hence, cŏlumbā-rĭus , ii, m., an oarsman , as a term of reproach. Plaut. ap. Fest. l. l.—
4 A subterranean sepulchre , in the walls of which were niches for urns of ashes , Inscr. Orell. 2975; 4513; v. Dict. of Antiq. s. v. columbarium.