I.Plur.: calamistra, Varr. ap. Charis. p. 61 P.) [calamus], a hollow, tubular iron for curling the hair, a curling-iron, crisping-pin.
I. Lit.: calamistrum quod his calfactis in cinere capillus ornatur, Varr. L. L. l. l.; Serv. l. l.; cf. Isid. Orig. l. l.; “10, 57: meum, Plaut. Curc. l. l.: calamistri vestigia,” Cic. post Red. in Sen. 7, 16: “crines calamistro convertere,” Petr. 102, 15: “L. (i. e. libertae) A CALAMISTRO,” women who curl hair, Inscr. Murat. 991, 2.—
II. Trop., of discourse, excessive or artificial ornament, flourish of words: “tum removebitur omnis insignis ornatus quasi margaritarum, ne calamistri quidem adhibebuntur,” Cic. Or. 23, 78; so id. Brut. 75, 262: “calamistri Maecenatis et tinnitus Gallionis,” Tac. Or. 26.