The Collaborative International Dictionary
Congiary
Congiary \Con"gi*a*ry\, n.; pl. Congiaries. [L. congiarium,
fr. congius a liquid measure.]
A present, as of corn, wine, or oil, made by a Roman emperor
to the soldiers or the people; -- so called because measured
to each in a congius.
--Addison.
Note: In later years, when gifts of money were distributed, the name congius was retained. [1913 Webster] ||
Wiktionary
congiary
n. A present of corn, wine, oil, etc. or later of money, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the people.