01-27-2014, 07:24 PM
Quote:This has to be understood in context. Caput porcinum is a wedge-shaped infantry formation and appears to be a soldiers' slang term for what might properly be called a cuneus. However, this is not the only use of cuneus. As has already been said, its literal translation is 'wedge' and it is used in that sense in a variety of civilian contexts. It also appears in the Notitia Dignitatum as the name of a unit of cavalry. 'Pig's head' would not be an appropriate translation for this usage. MMFA overstates his case when he says that he has "always" heard cuneus translated as 'boar's head'. It can be understood as such in the limited circumstance of the wedge-shaped infantry formation, otherwise not. In short, caput porcinum is a cuneus but a cuneus is not necessarily a caput porcinum.Longovicium post=350014 Wrote:I am not sure why MMFA states that cuneus which I believe is generally understood to be a wedge formation is a boar's head?
It's from Vegetius:
A 'wedge' [cuneus] is the name for a mass of infantry who are attached to the line, which moves forward, narrower in front and broader behind, and breaks through the enemy lines... Soldiers call this tactic a 'pig's head' [caput porcinum]'. (Epitoma Rei Militaris, III.19)
Michael King Macdona
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
