Agency Dictionary
strigil
nounPronunciation: /ˈstrɪdʒ.ɪl/
In Portuguese: estrígil
History & CivilizationsWhat does “strigil” mean?
A curved metal instrument used by ancient Greeks and Romans to scrape dirt, sweat, and excess scented oil from the skin after bathing or exercising.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin strigilis, "scraper", related to the verb stringere in its sense "to graze, to strip off". The strigil was the curved metal scraper used in Greek and Roman baths to remove oil, sweat and dirt from the skin after exercise.
Usage note
A term of archaeology and classical studies. The object often appears in Roman art alongside an oil flask, identifying the figure as an athlete or bather.
Synonyms
- scraper
Rhymes with
- vigil
Usage examples
At the baths, Romans scraped off grime and sweat with a curved metal strigil, then rubbed on scented oils.
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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