congiary means A present of corn, wine, oil, etc. or later of money, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the common people. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 88 out of 100.
congiary is pronounced /ˈkɒn.d͡ʒə.ɹi/.
Why “congiary” is a great word
CONGIARY — [Noun] A ceremonial gift of corn, wine, oil, or money distributed by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or populace. From Latin congiarium, from congius, a Roman liquid measure of approximately a gallon. Unlike largess, a general term for open-handed giving, or annona, the regular bureaucratic grain dole, a congiary was a deliberate political performance—a measured act of imperial munificence timed for an accession, victory, or anniversary. It is the clink of coined silver striking a soldier's palm, the slick sheen of olive oil poured from a clay amphora, and the heavy scent of grain from the emperor's storehouses—a ritual transaction where sustenance was currency, and loyalty was purchased by the imperial gallon.
Etymology
From Latin congiarium, from congius (“a liquid measure”).
noun
- A present of corn, wine, oil, etc. or later of money, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the common people.“We often fee on them the emperor, and two or three general officers, sometimes sitting, and sometimes standing, as they made speeches, or distributed a congiary to the soldiers or people”