I.perf., ātum, 1, v. a. and n. id..
I. Act., to curl, crisp, crimp (poet. or in post-Aug. prose).
B. Transf.
1. To make variegated, rough, uneven; to cover or plant with something, to strew over: “tellurem apio viridi,” to border, Col. 10, 166: “mixtum aurum cono,” Stat. Th. 8, 568: “alma novo crispans pelagus Tithonia Phoebo,” Val. Fl. 1, 311; cf. Zumpt ad Rutil. 2, 13: “quādam rugatione crispari corpora,” Cael. Aur. Tard. 2, 1, 17.—
2. To put into a tremulous motion, to swing, brandish, wave (cf.: “vibro, quasso): bina manu lato crispans hastilia ferro,” Verg. A. 1, 313; 12, 165 (cf.: δύο δοῦρε τινάσσων, Il. 12, 298): “non illis solitum crispare hastilia campo,” Sil. 8, 374: “tergeminos jactus,” App. M. 11, p. 258, 35: “buxum,” Claud. Rapt. Pros. 2, 110: “clunes,” Arn. 7, p. 239; cf. crispitudo.—Trop.: “cachinnum,” Sedul. 1, 316.—
II. Neutr., only in part. pres. crispans.
B. Trembling: “cum vibrat crispante aedificiorum crepitu (of an earthquake),” Plin. 2, 82, 84, § 198.