Rom. Antiq. [L. compluvium, f. compluĕre to flow together (of rain).] A square opening in the roof of the atrium, through which fell the rain-water collected from the roof; also the inner square court into which the water so collected fell.
1730. A. Gordon, Maffei’s Amphit., 358–9. This then was the Compluvium mentioned by the Ancients, within the Arena, and explain’d by Isidorus, as being that Place where the Water all around was gathered.
1832. Gell, Pompeiana, II. xi. 2. The compluvium of the atrium is furnished with the mouths for cisterns.
1859. F. Mahoney, Rel. Father Prout, 467. Your traveller proceeded towards the compluvium, or open, quadrangular courtyard.
