I.swaddlingclothes, swathing-bands.
B. Transf.
1. The cradle: “Bacchi,” Ov. M. 3, 317.—
2. A birthplace: in montes patrios, et ad incunabula nostra pergam, Poët. (perh. Enn.) ap. Cic. Att. 2, 15, 3 (v. Vahl. Enn. p. 81): “Jovis,” Ov. M. 8, 99: “majorum,” Just. 31, 8, 4.—
3. Childhood: “jam inde ab incunabulis imbutus odio tribunorum,” from the cradle, from childhood, Liv. 4, 36 fin.; so, “ab primis,” Amm. 14, 6, 4; and: in primis vitae incunabulis, Firm. 1, 3.—
II. Trop., an origin, beginning: “de oratoris quasi incunabulis dicere,” Cic. Or. 13, 42: “nostrae doctrinae,” id. de Or. 1, 6, 23: ab ipsis discendi velut incunabulis, Quint. prooem. 6 Zumpt N. cr.