Lewis & Short

squāma, ae, f., a scale (of a fish, serpent, etc.).

  1. I. Lit.: alias (animantes) squamis obductas, Cic. N. D. 2, 47, 121.
    Of a serpent: tractu squamae crepitantis harenam Sulcat, Ov. M. 15, 725: hydri, Verg. G. 3, 545; id. A. 5, 88; 11, 754; Ov. M. 3, 63; 4, 577.
    Of a fish: alia integuntur squamis ut pisces, Plin. 9, 12, 14, § 114; Claud. in Eutr. 1, 295.
    Of bees: rutilis clarus squamis, Verg. G. 4, 93.
    1. B. Transf.
      1. * 1. Poet., a fish, Juv. 4, 25.
      2. 2. Of scaleshaped things (poet. and in post-Aug. prose).
          1. (α) Scale-armor, Verg. A. 9, 707; 11, 488.
          2. (β) A cataract in the eye, Plin. 29, 1, 8, § 21.
          3. (γ) Hulls or husks: milli, Plin. 34, 11, 24, § 107.
          4. (δ) Scales of metal struck off by the hammer: ferri, Plin. 34, 15, 46, § 154; Cels. 5, 1: aeris, Plin. 34, 11, 24, § 107; Cels. 2, 12: plumbi, Plin. 30, 12, 33, § 107.
  2. * II. Trop., roughness, rudeness: sermonis, Sid. Ep. 3, 3.