I.a cutting, cutting off, cutting up.
I. In gen. (so only post - Aug.): “sectio et partitio corporis (humani),” Gell. 20, 1, 39; so, “corporum,” Vitr. 2, 2: “cyma a primā sectione praestat,” Plin. 19, 8, 41, § 137.—
II. In partic. *
A. A cutting of diseased parts of the body: “(mandragoras) bibitur ante sectiones punctionesque, ne sentiantur,” Plin. 25, 13, 94, § 150.—
B. A castration, App. M. 7, p. 199, 31.—
C. Publicists' t. t., a dividing, parcelling out, or distribution by auction of captured or confiscated goods (the prevailing and class. signif.; “syn.: auctio, licitatio): cujus praedae sectio non venierit,” Cic. Inv. 1, 45, 85: sectionem ejus oppidi universam Caesar vendidit, * Caes. B. G. 2, 33; Cic. Fragm. ap. Gell. 13, 24, 6; id. Phil. 2, 26, 64; 2, 29, 71; Varr. R. R. 2, 10, 4; Tac. H. 1, 90; id. A. 13, 23; Suet. Vit. 2.—
D. Hence, of the confiscation of property by tax-gatherers: “sectiones publicanorum,” Just. 38, 7, 8.—