ALIC´ULA
ALIC´ULA a short cloak coming down to the elbows,
mentioned by Ulpian (
Dig. 34,
2,
23) as proper to boys, by Petronius
(
Sat. 40) as worn by a hunter, and by
Martial (
12.82) as an inexpensive present. It
was so called, according to Velius Longus (Putsch, p. 2230),
quod alas nobis iniecta contineat; according to
Ferrarius, from its collar or cape. Rich, however, derives the name from its
resemblance to wings when fastened by a brooch and floating behind the back.
There seems to be no reason for connecting the word with the chlamys
ἄλληξ or
ἄλλιξ. Saglio identifies the
alicula with a garment worn by shepherds and countrymen in works
of art, and by the Good Shepherd on sarcophagi and paintings in the
catacombs, sometimes opening in front, and sometimes furnished with a small
cape.
[
J.H.F]