simpulum

simpŭlum, i, n. [sim-; root sam-; cf.: simul, simplex, and pul-; cf. Gr. πολύς, plenus; v. Corss. Ausspr. 2, 74],

a small ladle : simpulum vas parvulum non dissimile cyatho, quo vinum in sacrificiis libabatur; unde et mulieres rebus divinis deditae simpulatrices dicuntur, Fest. p. 337 Müll.; cf. Varr. L. L. 5, § 124 ib.; Ap. Mag. p. 285, and v. Becker, Gallus, 2, p. 280; 3, p. 221 (2d edit.).—Prov.: excitare fluctus in simpulo, i. e. to make much ado about nothing , to raise a tempest in a teapot , Cic. Leg. 3, 16, 36.