I.growth, increase, augmentation (class.).
I. Lit., of plants and animals: “quid ego vitium satus, ortus, incrementa commemorem?” Cic. Sen. 15, 52: “ponendae sunt plantae majoris incrementi,” Pall. Feb. 24, 7; 25, 22: “parvi incrementi animalia,” Col. 8, 15, 6 al. —
B. Transf.
1. Concr., i. q. suboles, progeny or foster-child (poet.): “magnum Jovis,” Verg. E. 4, 49; “so of recruits: incremento novari,” Curt. 5, 1, 23; cf. poet.: supponere vipereos dentes, populi incrementa futuri, Ov. M. 3, 103.—
2. That which promotes growth (late Lat.): “alitudo (est) incrementum corporis, alimentum incrementum infantis,” Fronto, p. 2198 P.—
II. Trop., increase, augmentation, increment, addition: “summo bono afferre incrementum,” Cic. Fin. 2, 27, 88: “virtus tua semper in incremento erit,” Curt. 9, 3: “illis incrementis (dignitatis), fecit viam,” Vell. 2, 51: “injuriae, quarum in dies incremento bellum exarsit,” Liv. 40, 58, 2: “multitudinis,” id. 21, 7, 3: “existimatus initium et causa incrementorum patri fuisse,” Suet. Vit. 3: “magnorum praefectorum et ducum haec incrementa sunt et rudimenta,” i. e. the young sons of persons of distinction, who grew up to be prefects and generals, Curt. 5, 1, 24: domus, additions to one's estate, Juv. 14, 259.— As a rhet. fig., an advancing from weaker to stronger expressions, an ascending towards a climax (Gr. αὔξησις), Quint. 8, 4, 3; id. ib. § 28.
