torquis or torques (the first form, Naev. ap. Charis. p. 118 P.; Liv. 44, 14, 2; Prop. 4 (5), 10, 44; the latter form, Val. Fl. 2, 111; Stat. Th. 10, 517; cf. Charis. l. l.; acc. torquim, Phoc. de Nom. 1711 P.; abl. torqui, App. Flor. 12), m. and f. [torqueo], a twisted neck-chain, necklace, collar.
I Lit.: T. Manlius, qui Galli torque detracto, Torquati cognomen invenit, Cic. Fin. 1, 7, 23; id. Off. 3, 31, 112; cf. of the same: torquem detraxit, Quadrig. ap. Gell. 9, 13, 18: Q. Rubrium coronā et phaleris et torque donasti, Cic. Verr. 2, 3, 80, § 185: aureus, Liv. 44, 14, 2; Quint. 6, 3, 79; Auct. B. Hisp. 26, 1; Suet. Aug. 43 (al. aurea): aureae, Varr. ap. Non. 228, 2: unca, Prop. 4 (5), 10, 44: adempta, Ov. F. 1, 601: adjecisse praedam Torquibus exiguis renidet, Hor. C. 3, 6, 12.—
II Transf.
A A coupling-collar for oxen: ipsis e torquibus aptos Junge pares, Verg. G. 3, 168.—
B A wreath , ring , in gen.: avis torque miniato in cervice distincta, Plin. 10, 42, 58, § 117: saepe deum nexis ornatae torquibus arae, Verg. G. 4, 276: hinc vastis urgent immensi torquibus orbes (ceti natantis), i. e. rings , circles , Manil. 5, 584.