mătŭla, ae, f., a vessel, pot for liquids (ante- and post-class.).
I In gen.: continentur mundo muliebri specula, matulae, unguenta, vasa unguentaria, Dig. 34, 2, 25, § 10. As a term of abuse, a simpleton, noodle (cf. Engl. colloq., a vessel ): numquam ego te tam esse matulam credidi. Quid metuis? Plaut. Pers. 4, 3, 64.—Prov.: Est modus matulae, we should observe moderation , the title of a satire of Varro.—
II In partic., a chamber-pot, urinal : matula vas urinae, Paul. ex Fest. p. 125 Müll.; Plaut. Most. 2, 1, 39; Hier. Ep. 117, 8.