I.greatness in action or in sentiment, nobleness, distinction, eminence, high-mindedness, magnanimity; in a bad sense, boasting, bragging, etc.
I. In gen.
A. Lit.: “magnificentia est rerum magnarum et excelsarum cum anima ampla quadam et splendida propositione agitatio atque administratio,” Cic. Inv. 2, 54, 163: “et magnificentia et despicientia adhibenda est rerum humanarum,” greatness of soul, id. Off. 1, 21, 72; id. Agr. 2, 8, 22.—
B. Transf., of inanimate things, grandeur, magnificence, splendor, sumptuousness: “epularum,” Cic. Or. 25, 83: “villarum,” id. Off. 1, 39, 140: “funerum et sepulcrorum,” id. Leg. 2, 26, 66: “liberalitatis,” id. Rosc. Com. 8, 24: “extra modum sumptu et magnificentia prodire,” id. Off. 1, 39, 40: “exhaustus magnificentiā publicorum operum,” Liv. 1, 57: “magnificentiae studium,” Tac. A. 3, 55: “publica magnificentia,” Vell. 2, 1, 2.—
II. Esp.
1. Rhet. t. t., an imposing style, sounding or dignified language: his tribus narrandi virtutibus adiciunt quidam magnificentiam, quam μεγαλοπρέπειαν vocant, Quint. 4, 2, 61 sq.—
2. In a bad sense: “verborum magnificentia,” pomposity of language, bombast, Cic. Lael. 6, 21: “i hinc in malam crucem cum istac magnificentiā,” Ter. Phorm. 5, 7, 37.—
3. In partic., greatness of talent, great artistic skill, Plin. 36, 5, 4, § 19.
