Lewis & Short

† phălĕrae, ārum (neutr. phalera posita, Plin. 33, 1, 6, § 18; Jan. phaleras), f., = τὰ φάλαρα.

  1. I. Lit.
    1. A. A smooth, shining ornament for the breast, a metal disc or boss, worn by men, esp. as a military decoration: phalerae sunt belli ornamenta, Non. 554, 15 sq.; Cic. Verr. 2, 4, 12, § 29: phaleris et torque aliquem donare id. ib. 2, 3, 80: phaleras deponere, Liv. 9, 46; cf. Plin. 33, 1, 6, § 18: phaleris hic pectora fulget, Sil. 15, 255.
      As a military mark of distinction: equites donati phaleris, Liv. 39, 31; Verg. A. 9, 458 Heyn. and Wagn.; Juv. 16, 60.
      Worn by women: matrona ornata phaleris pelagiis, P. Syrus ap. Petr. 55.
    2. B. A trapping for the forehead and breast of horses, Liv. 32, 52: primus equum phaleris insignem victor habeto, Verg. A. 5, 310; Plin. 37, 12, 74, § 194; Juv. 11, 103.
      As a trapping for elephants, Gell. 5, 5, 3.
  2. II. Trop., an external ornament or decoration (poet. and in post-class. prose): ad populum phaleras! trappings for the people! who allow themselves to be deceived by externals, Pers. 3, 30.
    Of rhetorical ornament, Mart. Cap. 3, § 221: loquendi, Symm. Ep. 83: heroicorum, Sid. Ep. 1, 9 fin.