iocus

1. Ludus (from λοίδορος) denotes play in an objective sense, inasmuch as it is at hand for a man’s entertainment; whereas lusus, in a subjective sense, inasmuch as a man carries it on and produces it himself; further, ludus denotes play, as a means of recreation, in opp. to exertion; lusus, as a childish, useless pastime, in opp. to real business. Plin. Ep. ix. 33. 3. Pueri quos otium ludusque sollicitat: comp. with ix. 25. Lusus et ineptias nostras legis. Or, Cic. Flacc. 5, 12. Græci quibus jusjurandum jocus est, testimonium ludus; that is, to whom it is a mere trifle to bear false witness; compare with Sen. Contr. i. 2. Piratas . . . quibus omne fas nefasque lusus est; that is, to whom the distinction between right and wrong is a mere sporting with words. 2. The plur. ludi assumes the special meaning of public spectacles, and in this sense has a singular peculiar to itself in the word ludicrum. 3. Ludus and lusus have more a negative character, as mere pastimes and amusements, as a guard against ennui; whereas jocus more a positive character, as an utterance of humor and wit. The ludens wishes merely to be free from exertion, to do nothing serious, and to amuse himself; the jocans will be as active at the command of mirth, as others at the command of seriousness. (ii. 33.)