ăcētum, i, n. [orig. P. a. fr. aceo, become sour, hence sc. vinum], sour wine, wine-vinegar, or simply vinegar (acc. to Varr. L. L. 9, § 66 Müll., only in the sing.).
- I. Lit.: cum aceto pransurus est et sale, Plaut. Rud. 4, 2, 32; Verg. M. 113: acre, Hor. S. 2, 3, 117: vetus, i. e. spoiled, id. ib. 2, 2, 62: Liv. 21, 37; Cels. 2, 18; 2, 21; Vulg. Joan. 19, 29 al.: mulsum aceti, vinegarmead, v. mulsus.
- II. Trop., of acuteness of mind, sense, wit, shrewdness, sagacity (like sal, sales, wit, witty sayings, witticisms, fr. sal, salt): Ps. Ecquid habet is homo aceti in pectore? Char. Atque acidissumi, Plaut. Ps. 2, 4, 49; id. Bacch. 3, 3, 1; Hor. S. 1, 7, 32; Pers. 5, 86 al.