I.gen. plur. voluptatum and -tium), f. Gr. ἔλπω, to hope; root ϝελπ-; cf. volo, satisfaction, enjoyment, pleasure, delight (whether sensual or spiritual; syn. oblectamentum).
I. Lit.
A. In gen.: “omne id, quo gaudemus, voluptas est, ut omne, quo offendimur, dolor,” Cic. Fin. 1, 11, 37; cf.: “huic verbo (voluptatis) omnes qui Latine sciunt, duas res subiciunt, laetitiam in animo, commotionem suavem jucunditatis in corpore,” id. ib. 2, 4, 13 sq.: “voluptas quae percipitur ex libidine et cupiditate (syn. jucunditas),” Cic. Verr. 2, 1, 21, § 57: “nulla capitalior pestis quam voluptas corporis,” id. Sen. 12, 39: “ex tuis litteris cepi una cum omnibus incredibilem voluptatem,” id. Fam. 5, 7, 1: “nec vero sum inscius, esse utilitatem in historiā, non modo voluptatem. Quid? cum fictas fabulas ... cum voluptate legimus?” id. Fin. 5, 19, 51: “frui voluptatibus,” id. N. D. 1, 30, 84 et saep.: “novum denique officium instituit a voluptatibus, an officer in the imperial household,” master of the revels, Suet. Tib. 42 fin.—
B. Personified, Voluptas, as a deity, Cic. N. D. 2, 23, 61.—
II. Transf.
A. Of persons, as a term of endearment: “mea voluptas,” my joy, my charmer, Plaut. Truc. 2, 4, 2: “care puer, mea sera et sola voluptas,” Verg. A. 8, 581.—
B. Voluptates, sports, shows, spectacles, given to the people, Cic. Mur. 35, 74: “ne minimo quidem temporis voluptates intermissae,” Tac. H. 3, 83; Vop. Aur. 34; id. Prob. 19; Treb. Gall. 9 al. —
C. The desire for pleasure, bent, passion: “suam voluptatem explere,” Ter. Hec. 1, 1, 12; cf. Plaut. Am. prol. 19; cf. Gell. praef. § 14.—
D. The male semen, Arn. 5, 158; Hyg. Astr. 2, 13.
