I.inf. pass. parag. prosecarier, Plaut. Poen. 2, 1, 8), 1, v. a., to cut off from before, cut away or off.
II. In partic.
A. In agriculture, to cut up, break up with the plough (post-Aug.): “solum,” Plin. Ep. 5, 6, 10.—
B. In relig. lang., to cut off the parts to be sacrificed: “vetui exta prosecarier,” Plaut. Poen. 2, 1, 8: “ubi exta prosecta erunt,” Cato, R. R. 134: “hostiae exta,” Liv. 5, 21: “exta prosecuit,” Suet. Aug. 1: “prosecta pectora,” Val. Fl. 3, 439.—
2. In gen., to sacrifice (eccl. Lat.): “Aesculapio gallinaceum,” Tert. Apol. 46.—Hence, prō-sectum , i, n., that which is cut off for sacrifice, the entrails, Varr. L. L. 5, § 110 Müll.; in plur., Ov. M. 12, 152; id. F. 6, 163; Stat. Th. 5, 641; Licin. Macer. ap. Non. 220, 20.—Collat. form prōsecta , ae, f., Lucil. ap. Non. 220, 22 dub. (al. prosicies).