quadriga
nounUK /kwɒdˈɹiː.ɡə/ · US /kwɑˈdɹi.ɡə/
Etymology From Latin quadrīgae, literally "four yoked", from quattuor (“four”) + iugum (“yoke”).
1
Historical A Roman racing chariot drawn by four horses abreast.
- In the Vatican Library is a vase of terra cotta, on whose upper part we see delineated the sun and moon, in a quadriga, which proceeds forward [travels, voyages, fulfils its course] upon a ship. […] Both these deities stand in a quadriga, which indeed is the vehicle proper to the sun, insomuch that the Rhodians every year threw into the sea a quadriga, dedicated to this divinity.1830, Charles Taylor, Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, in five volumes, volume III, page 425
- On another denarius we see Victory holding a wreath and driving a quadriga […]1898 (May), A. W. Hands, "Chats on Roman coins with young collectors", Monthly Numismatic Circular 66, col. 2719
2
Historical A team of four horses, or sometimes other animals, especially as used in chariot racing.
- Related terms
- quadrigal