Lewis & Short

bĭrēmis, e, adj. [bis-remus].

  1. I. Twooared, having two oars (rare): lembi, Liv. 24, 40 init.: scapha, * Hor. C. 3, 29, 62.
    Also,
    1. B. Subst.: bĭrēmis, is, f., a small vessel with two oars, Luc. 10, 56; 8, 562.
  2. II. Freq. in an extended signif., having two banks of oars; only subst., a galley with two banks of oars (cf. Dict. of Antiq.; first used by the Erythræans, acc. to Plin. 7, 56, 57, § 207), Cic. Verr. 2, 5, 20, § 51; 2, 5, 23, § 59; Caes. B. C. 3, 40; Tac. H. 4, 27; 5, 23; Claud. B. Gild. 369; id. Laud. Stil. 1, 367; Suet. Caes. 39; id. Aug. 16; id. Calig. 15 al.