† sarcŏphăgus, a, um, adj., = σαρκοφἅγος (flesh-devouring, carnivorous): sarcophagus lapis,
- I. a kind of limestone used for coffins (so called because the corpses were quickly consumed by it), Plin. 2, 96, 98, § 211; 36, 17, 27, § 161.
In medicine, Plin. 28, 9, 37, § 140.
- II. Transf., subst.: sarcŏphăgus, i, m. (‡ sarcŏphă-gum, i, n., Inscr. Don. 7, 8), a grave, sepulchre (post-Aug.), Juv. 10, 172; Dig. 11, 7, 37; 34, 1, 18 fin.; Prud. Cath. 3, 203; Inscr. Orell. 194; 4432; 4554 al.