Lewis & Short

† cŏthurnus, i, m., = κόθορνος, a high Grecian shoe.

  1. I. In gen., Cic. Fin. 3, 14, 46; id. Phil. 3, 6, 16; Vell. 2, 82, 4 al.
  2. II. Esp.
    1. A. A high Grecian hunting-boot, laced up in front, and covering the whole foot, Verg. E. 7, 32; id. A. 1, 337; Juv. 6, 506.
    2. B. The high shoe or buskin worn by tragic actors (while soccus was the shoe of the comic actor), Hor. A. P. 80; 280; id. S. 1, 5, 64 al.
      Hence,
      1. 2. Meton.
        1. a. Tragedy, Hor. A. P. 80.
        2. b. A subject of tragedy Juv. 15, 29.
        3. c. An elevated style, in poetry, Verg. E. 8, 10; Hor. C. 2, 1, 12; Prop. 2 (3), 34, 41; Quint. 10, 1, 68 et saep.; also in painting, Plin. 35, 10, 36, § 111 (with gravitas artis).
        4. d. Elevation, majesty (late Lat.): imperatoriae auctoritatis, Amm. 21, 16, 1.