FUNA´LE
FUNA´LE the neuter form, is probably to be
distinguished from
FUNALIS and
means a chandelier or other contrivance for holding a number of lights
(
Verg. A. 1.727; Hor.
Od. 3.26,
7;
Ov. Met. 12.247). This distinction has
not always been drawn, and we give in full the evidence upon which it rests.
Servius (on
Aen. l.c. referring to Varro): “Nonnulli
apud veteres candelabra dicta trad unt [funalia], quae in capitibus
uncinos haberent, quibus affigi solebant vel candelae vel funes pice
delibuti: quae interdum erant minora, ut gestari manu et praeferri
magistratibus a cena remeantibus possent.” In the last words
there is clearly a reference to the story of Duilius (Cic.
de Sen. 13.44;
V. Max.
3.6.4; Sil. 6.667). Donatus (on Ter.
Andr. 1.1, 88):
“[funus] quod a funalibus dictum est, id est, uncis vel cuneis
candelabrorum;” the rest of the passage is corrupt.
[p. 1.883]Isidor.
Orig. 20.10.5:
“Funalia candelabra apud veteres, quibus funiculi cera vel
hujusmodi alimento luminis obliti figebantur. Idem itaque et stimuli
praeacuti funalia dicebantur.” The mention of
unci, uncini, cunci, stimuli in these passages is strongly
suggestive of the “coronae” often seen in foreign churches, for
holding wax lights stuck on spikes. The smaller sort (Serv.) were portable,
and carried a single taper. (Marquardt.
Privatl. 690;
Becker-Göll,
Gallus, 2.392 f.)
[
W.W]
