vectis, is (acc. vectim, Varr. L. L. 5, 32, 153; abl. vecti, Prisc. p. 766; Serv. ad Verg. A. 9, 469), m. [vectigal],
I a strong pole or bar; esp.,
1 A lever : saxa quam maxima possunt vectibus promovent, Caes. B. C. 2, 11; 3, 40; Cic. N. D. 1, 8, 19.—In a trial of strength: (Pompeius) cum alacribus saltu, cum velocibus cursu, cum validis vecte certabat, Sall. H. 2, 11 dub. Dietsch N. cr. —
2 For moving machines, a handspike , Vitr. 6, 9.—
3 For carrying, a carryingpole , Claud. IV. Cons. Hon. 571.—
4 For breaking up or tearing down any thing, a crow , crow-bar : demoliri signum ac vectibus labefactare conantur, Cic. Verr. 2, 4, 43, § 94; Caes. B. C. 2, 11: cum vecti, Ter. Eun. 774; Hor. C. 3, 26, 7: vecte in pectus adacto, Ov. M. 12, 452.—
5 For fastening a door, a bar , bolt : cum ad eum (conjectorem) retulisset quasi ostentum, quod anguis domi vectem circumjectus fuisset: tum esset, inquit, ostentum, si anguem vectis circumplicavisset, Cic. Div. 2, 28, 62; Verg. A. 7, 609; Plin. 7, 56, 57, § 125.