LEMBUS
LEMBUS (
λέμβος), according to
Fulgentius called also
dromo, which defines it
as a swift and light vessel. It was a small boat used to carry persons from
the ship to the shore (Plaut.
Mere. 1.2, 81;
2.1, 35). So in Dem.
c. Zenoth. p. 883, the
λέμβος seems to be a small boat towed behind the
ship into which Hegestratus tries to jump so as to escape to shore; and in
Theocr. 21.12, it is a small fishing boat for oars (cf.
Verg. G. 1.201). The name was also given to
boats larger than this, but in the same manner light and swift, sent ahead
to obtain information of the enemy's movements (
Plb.
1.53), or for plundering excursions (
Liv.
30.45); also as fast-sailing transports (
Plb.
2.3).
[
W.S] [
G.E.M]
