[121] Serv. mentions two explanations of ‘pilata:’ “pilis armata,” and “densa, spissa.” Though he himself inclines to the first, the passages which he quotes from Varro and Asellio seem to show that “pilatus” was used technically of a close column in march. “Agmen pilatum” was distinguished from “agmen quadratum,” and “pilatim” from “passim iter facere.” No word “pilare” (= to crowd or press) exists, but perhaps “oppilare” may point to its having once existed. Enn. Sat. 3 has “pilatas aetheris oras,” quoted here by Serv., in what sense is not clear. “Pilata cohors” in Mart. 10. 48. 2 (Forc.) may mean “pilis armata,” and so perhaps the name “Pilatus.” But there is nothing unsuitable to the sense here in making “pilata” i. q. “densa,” and Virg. would not be sorry to use an old military term.
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John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of. Virgil. , with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. and Henry Nettleship, M.A. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane;. George Bell and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1876.
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