I. Lit., dung, excrements, ordure (syn.: “fimus, merda),” Varr. R. R. 1, 38; Col. 2, 15; Cato, R. R. 29; 37; Cic. Div. 1, 27, 57; Hor. Epod. 12, 11 al.; Fest. p. 344 Müll.; cf. Varr. L. L. 6, § 32 ib., and Fest. s. v. Quando stercus, pp. 258 and 259 ib.; Juv. 14, 64.—Prov.: “aurum in stercore quaerere,” Cassiod. Inst. Div. Lit. 1, p. 510.—
II. Transf.: “ferri,” i. e. dross, slag, Scrib. Comp. 188.