uncus, i, m. [Sanscr. root ak, ankami, bend; Gr. ἀγκών, ὄγκος; cf.: ancus, ungulus], a hook, barb.
I In gen., Liv. 30, 10, 16; Col. 3, 18, 2: ferrei, Cato R. R. 10; 13.—As an attribute of Necessitas, Hor. C. 1, 35, 20.—Poet., an anchor , Val. Fl. 2, 428.—
II In partic.
A A hook that was fastened to the neck of condemned criminals , and by which they were dragged to the Tiber , Cic. Phil. 1, 2, 5; id. Rab. Perd. 5, 16; Ov. Ib. 168; Juv. 10, 66; cf.: et bene cum fixum mento discusseris uncum, Nil erit hoc: rostro te premet ansa suo, Prop. 4 (5), 1, 141. —
B A surgical instrument , Cels. 7, 29.