proper noun
Pygmaei
Meaning
- the Pygmies
Pygmaei, ōrum, m., = Πυγμαῖοι (qs. Fistlings, Tom Thumbs),
I. the Pygmies, a fabulous dwarfish race of antiquity, especially in Africa; at war with the cranes, by whom they were constantly defeated, Mel. 3, 8, 8; Plin. 6, 30, 35, § 188; 4, 11, 18, § 44; 5, 29, 29, § 109; Gell. 9, 4, 10.—Hence,
II. Pyg-maeus, a, um, adj., Pygmœan: mater, i. e. the queen of the Pygmies, Gerane or Œnoe, Ov. M. 6, 90:
sanguis, id. F. 6, 176: virgo, a female dwarf, Juv. 6, 505: bellator, id. 13, 167.