lares and penates


plural noun

Lares and Penates, Roman Religion. the benevolent spirits and gods of the household.
the cherished possessions of a family or household.

Origin of lares and penates

1765–75; < Latin Larēs ( et) Penātēs

Words nearby lares and penates

British Dictionary definitions for lares and penates

lares and penates
/ (ˈlɛəriːz, ˈlɑː-) /

pl n

Roman myth
  1. household gods
  2. statues of these gods kept in the home
the valued possessions of a household

Word Origin for lares and penates

Latin