I.a sickle, reaping-hook, a pruning-hook, scythe.
I. Prop., Cato, R. R. 10, 3; 11, 4; Varr. R. R. 1, 22, 5; Cic. Tusc. 5, 23, 65; id. Mil. 33, 91; Verg. G. 1, 348: Ov. F. 4, 914; Hor. C. 1, 31, 9 et saep.—
II. Transf., a military implement shaped like a sickle, used in sieges to pull down walls or the enemies stationed on the walls; a hook: “falces praeacutae insertae affixaeque longuriis: non absimili formā muralium falcium,” Caes. B. G. 3, 14, 5; 5, 42 fin.; 7, 22; Sisenn. ap. Non. 556, 22; Curt. 4, 3, 8; Tac. H. 3, 27; Stat. Ach. 2, 419.—Of the scythes with which chariots were armed, Curt. 4, 15, 2.
