Rom. Antiq. [ad. L. congiāri-um lit. a vessel that holds a congius, f. congius: see below and -ARY.] A gift divided among the people or the soldiers, orig. something measured in a congius, such as corn or wine.
(Some dictionaries give congiary also as a coin: this is an error founded on quots. 1697, 1727.)
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 417. It is said that Ancus Martius … gaue vnto the people a congiary or largesse of 6000 Modij of salt.
1697. Evelyn, Disc. Medals, 187. The Gift of Largesses and Congiaries in Provisions of Corn, &c., appearing in the Reverses.
1701. W. Wotton, Hist. Rome, vi. 85. Marcus gave a Congiary to the People.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., Congiarium, congiary, among medalists, a gift, or donative, represented on a medal … Nero, whose congiaries are the first that we find represented on medals, gave four hundred sesterces.
1832. Blackw. Mag., XXXII. 607. To the citizens of Rome … he presented in one congiary, about two guineas and a half a-head.
