Also 7 anglicized lectistern(e. [L., f. lecti-, lectus couch, bed + stern-ĕre to spread.]
1. Roman Antiq. A sacrifice of the nature of a feast, in which images of the gods were placed on couches with food before them as if for them to eat.
1597. Beard, Theatre God’s Judgem. (1631), 158. The Priests going about to pacifie the anger of their gods with Lectisterns and sacrifices.
1600. Holland, Livy, V. xiii. 188. By celebrating a Lectisterne.
1702. Addison, Dial. Medals, I. 19. Lectisterniums and a thousand other antiquated names and ceremonies.
1857. Birch, Anc. Pottery (1858), II. 290. A lectisternium to the infernal gods.
2. Med. (See quot.)
1722. Quincy, Lex. Physico-Med., Lectisternium is used by some Writers for that Apparatus, which is necessary for the Care of a sick Person in Bed. [Hence in Bailey, etc.]
