Lewis & Short

scamnum, i, n. [for scap-num; root skap-; Gr. σκήπτω, to support; cf.: scabellum, scapus, scipio], a bench, stool, step, etc.

  1. I. In gen.: quă simplici scansione scandebant in lectum non altum, scabellum; in altiorem, scamnum, Varr. L. L. 5, § 168 Müll.; Ov. A. A. 2, 211; 1, 162: longis considere scamnis, id. F. 6, 305; Cels. 2, 15: sedere in scamnis equitum, Mart. 5, 41, 7.
    Of horizontal branches of trees serving as seats, Plin. 12, 1, 5, § 10: ramorum, id. 17, 23, 35, § 201.
    Poet., a throne: regni stabilita scamna solumque, Enn. ap. Cic. Div. 1, 48 fin. (Ann. v. 99 Vahl.).
  2. II. In partic.
    1. A. In agriculture, a bank or ridge of earth left in ploughing, a balk (cf.: lira, porca), Col. 2, 2, 25; 2, 4, 3; 3, 13, 10; id. Arb. 12, 2; Plin. 18, 19, 49, § 179.
    2. B. In the agrimensores, the breadth of a field (opp. striga, the length), Auct. Rei Agr. p. 46; 125; 198 Goes.