I.the bark, rind, shell, hull.
I. Prop., of plants: “obducuntur libro aut cortice trunci,” Cic. N. D. 2, 47, 120.
A. In gen.
(α).
Masc., Varr. ap. Non. p. 199, 26; Verg. G. 2, 74; id. A. 7, 742; Ov. M. 1, 554; id. F. 2, 649; Plin. 2, 103, 106, § 226 al.; cf. infra.—
B. In partic., the bark of the cork-tree, cork, used for stoppers, Cato, R. R. 120; (masc.) Hor. C. 3, 8, 10; in learning to swim; “hence prov.: nare sine cortice,” to need no more assistance, id. S. 1, 4, 120—From its lightness is borrowed the phrase: “tu levior cortice,” Hor. C. 3, 9, 22; cf.: “ut summā cortex levis innatet undā,” Ov. Tr. 3, 4, 11.—
II. Transf., of other shells than those of vegetables: “ovi,” Vitr. 8, 3.—
B. Trop., the outward part, covering, i. e. the body: anima corporeum corticem reliquit, Varr. ap. Non. p. 199, 29.
