vŏluptas, ātis (gen. plur. voluptatum and -tium), f. [Gr. ἔλπω, to hope; root ϝελπ-; cf. volo], satisfaction, enjoyment, pleasure, delight (whether sensual or spiritual; syn. oblectamentum).
I Lit.
A In gen.: omne id, quo gaudemus, voluptas est, ut omne, quo offendimur, dolor, Cic. Fin. 1, 11, 37; cf.: huic verbo (voluptatis) omnes qui Latine sciunt, duas res subiciunt, laetitiam in animo, commotionem suavem jucunditatis in corpore, id. ib. 2, 4, 13 sq.: voluptas quae percipitur ex libidine et cupiditate (syn. jucunditas), Cic. Verr. 2, 1, 21, § 57: nulla capitalior pestis quam voluptas corporis, id. Sen. 12, 39: ex tuis litteris cepi una cum omnibus incredibilem voluptatem, id. Fam. 5, 7, 1: nec vero sum inscius, esse utilitatem in historiā, non modo voluptatem. Quid? cum fictas fabulas ... cum voluptate legimus? id. Fin. 5, 19, 51: frui voluptatibus, id. N. D. 1, 30, 84 et saep.: novum denique officium instituit a voluptatibus, an officer in the imperial household, master of the revels , Suet. Tib. 42 fin. —
B Personified, Voluptas, as a deity, Cic. N. D. 2, 23, 61.—
II Transf.
A Of persons, as a term of endearment: mea voluptas, my joy , my charmer , Plaut. Truc. 2, 4, 2: care puer, mea sera et sola voluptas, Verg. A. 8, 581.—
B Voluptates, sports , shows , spectacles , given to the people, Cic. Mur. 35, 74: ne minimo quidem temporis voluptates intermissae, Tac. H. 3, 83; Vop. Aur. 34; id. Prob. 19; Treb. Gall. 9 al. —
C The desire for pleasure , bent , passion : suam voluptatem explere, Ter. Hec. 69; cf. Plaut. Am. prol. 19; cf. Gell. praef. § 14.—
D The male semen , Arn. 5, 158; Hyg. Astr. 2, 13.