velarium

[ vuh-lair-ee-uh m ]

/ vəˈlɛər i əm /

an awning drawn over a theater or amphitheater as a protection from rain or the sun.

Origin of velarium

1825–35; < Latin vēlārium (a word known only from a passage in Juvenal; the intended sense may be “curtain” rather than “awning”); see velum, -ary

Nero, who carried everything to excess, went further: he caused a velarium of purple to be embroidered with gold.

The Wonders of Pompeii |Marc Monnier
A velarium was made and put up, and they proceeded to get rid of their President.

The Life of James McNeill Whistler |Elizabeth Robins Pennell
He raised his eyes then to the opening of the amphitheatre, over which night had begun to extend its velarium dotted with stars.

Quo Vadis |Henryk Sienkiewicz
The velarium, or awning, is advertised in all the inscriptions yet found which give notice of public games.

Museum of Antiquity |L. W. Yaggy

Upon the wall of the people's gallery is still seen the ring that held the pole of the velarium.

The Wonders of Pompeii |Marc Monnier

velarium

/ (vɪˈlɛərɪəm) /

an awning used to protect the audience in ancient Roman theatres and amphitheatres

C19: from Latin, from vēlāre to cover