super pelliceum

Sub pellibus, literally 'under the skins', meant 'in camp' because Roman soldiers had tents covered with skins. Latin pellis 'skin, hide' is related to an English word that has penetrated many other languages, film (see AHD4, link). Though Spanish stuck with Latin and uses película < Latin pellicula 'small, soft skin'. And, of course, when the Saxa Volventa performed for Nero, they played Sub Pollice.


Ceci n'est pas un seing.