What does sagum mean?
A sagum is a thick military cloak associated especially with ancient Roman soldiers. It was a practical garment, providing warmth and protection during campaigns and marches, and is commonly described as a heavy, often woollen cloak worn over armor or ordinary clothing. The word is uncommon in everyday modern English but appears in historical writing, archaeology, and accounts of Roman military equipment. Its principal sense refers to the Roman cloak, while a broader sense can refer more generally to a substantial cloak or mantle. Today, the term is useful chiefly when discussing the clothing and material culture of the ancient Roman army.
nounA thick, rectangular military cloak worn by ancient Roman soldiers, usually made of wool and fastened at the shoulder or neck.
- A heavy cloak or military outer garment worn by Roman soldiers.
- A general term for a thick, loose cloak or mantle.
"The legionary wrapped his sagum around his shoulders before marching through the rain."
"He drew the folds of his sagum tightly around his body."
"The museum display included a reconstruction of a Roman soldier's sagum."
The standard plural is sagums, though the word is chiefly historical and uncommon in modern usage.
"The soldiers carried their sagums alongside their weapons."
The sagum was the ancient Roman soldier's all-weather cloak, especially associated with marching in cold and wet weather.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sagum
The English word comes through Latin from sagum, the Latin term for a military cloak or blanket. The garment is well attested in ancient Roman sources. The precise ultimate origin of the Latin word is uncertain, so its relationship to more remote Indo-European languages should be treated cautiously.
Related word forms
How sagum is actually used
This is primarily a historical term. In modern English, it is chiefly encountered in discussions of the Roman army, classical antiquity, and military clothing.
Easily confused with sagum
A sagum is a Roman military cloak, whereas a sag is a downward bend or a downward-curving shape.