SĔCESPĬTA, an instrument used by the Roman priests in killing the
victims at sacrifices, probably an axe. In the annexed coin, the
reverse represents a culter, a simpuvium, and a secespita.
[Illustration: Secespita, Culter, and Simpuvium. (Coin of Sulpicia
Gens.)]
SECTĬO, the sale of a man’s property by the state (_publice_). This
was done in consequence of a condemnatio, and for the purpose of
repayment to the state of such sums of money as the condemned person
had improperly appropriated; or in consequence of a proscriptio.
Sometimes the things sold were called _sectio_. Those who bought the
property were called _sectores_. The property was sold _sub hasta_.