Dictionary

calceus en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /kælˈseɪəs/

Etymology

From Latin calceus, substantive use of calx (“heel”) + -eus (“-y: forming adjectives”).

Meanings

1. A kind of low leather Roman boot or hightop shoe.
   • In its earliest form the calceus was a low-cut model of the Greek endromis, a snug-fitting ankle-high boot, the front finished in a tongue to facilitate drawing on the shoe. 1948, Ruth Turner Wilcox, The Mode in Footwear..., page 32:
   • In comparison with the soccus and the solea, the calceus was a more formal footwear. We do not not usually find it in scenes of private life... We never find it with banquets, where the soccus and the solea prevail. It was probably only put on when leaving the house or, in the case of men, when receiving guests in a formal manner. 2022, Jan Radicke, Roman Women's Dress..., p. 99

Forms