phălĕrae, ārum (neutr. phalera posita, Plin. 33, 1, 6, § 18; Jan. phaleras), f., = τὰ φάλαρα.
I Lit.
A A smooth , shining ornament for the breast , a metal disc or boss , worn by men, esp. as a military decoration: phalerae sunt belli ornamenta, Non. 554, 15 sq.; Cic. Verr. 2, 4, 12, § 29: phaleris et torque aliquem donare id. ib. 2, 3, 80: phaleras deponere, Liv. 9, 46; cf. Plin. 33, 1, 6, § 18: phaleris hic pectora fulget, Sil. 15, 255.—As a military mark of distinction: equites donati phaleris, Liv. 39, 31; Verg. A. 9, 458 Heyn. and Wagn.; Juv. 16, 60.—Worn by women: matrona ornata phaleris pelagiis, P. Syrus ap. Petr. 55. —
B A trapping for the forehead and breast of horses , Liv. 32, 52: primus equum phaleris insignem victor habeto, Verg. A. 5, 310; Plin. 37, 12, 74, § 194; Juv. 11, 103.—As a trapping for elephants, Gell. 5, 5, 3.—
II Trop., an external ornament or decoration (poet. and in post-class. prose): ad populum phaleras! trappings for the people! who allow themselves to be deceived by externals, Pers. 3, 30.—Of rhetorical ornament, Mart. Cap. 3, § 221: loquendi, Symm. Ep. 83: heroicorum, Sid. Ep. 1, 9 fin.