suppedaneum

[ suhp-i-dey-nee-uh m ]
/ ˌsʌp ɪˈdeɪ ni əm /

noun, plural sup·pe·da·ne·a [suhp-i-dey-nee-uh] /ˌsʌp ɪˈdeɪ ni ə/.

a shelf affixed to a cross for supporting the feet of the crucified.

Origin of suppedaneum

1860–65; < Medieval Latin, noun use of neuter of Late Latin suppedāneus under the feet, equivalent to sup- sup- + ped- (stem of pēs) foot + -āneus ( -ān(us) -an + -eus -eous)

Example sentences from the Web for suppedaneum

  • The suppedaneum, or support for the feet, is generally represented.

    The Catacombs of Rome |William Henry Withrow