LITRA λίτρα, a Sicilian silver coin, equal in value to the Aeginetan
obol.
[Illustration: Lituus, Augur’s Staff. (Centre figure from an Etruscan
sculpture; the two others are Roman coins.)]
LĬTUUS, probably an Etruscan word signifying _crooked_.--(1)
The crooked staff borne by the augurs, with which they divided
the expanse of heaven, when viewed with reference to divination
(_templum_), into regions (_regiones_).--(2) A sort of trumpet
slightly curved at the extremity. It differed both from the _tuba_
and the _cornu_, the former being straight, while the latter was bent
round into a spiral shape. Its tones are usually characterised as
harsh and shrill. The Liticines, or blowers on the Lituus, formed a
Collegium along with the Cornicines. [CORNU.]
[Illustration: Lituus, Trumpet. (From Fabretti.)]