penates

The family places offerings before the penates in the household shrine.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Roman household gods: "Penates" refers to the ancient Roman gods of the household, specifically those who protected the pantry, food stores, and the family's domestic well-being. They were worshipped alongside the Lares (guardian spirits of the home). In a broader sense, "penates" can denote the cherished possessions or deities of a home.

Usage Examples

• (Household gods worshipped for domestic protection.)
• (Cherished possessions symbolizing home and security.)

Advanced Usage

• "To carry one's penates": To take one's household gods or most valued possessions when moving to a new home.
  • When they emigrated, they carried their penates with them as a symbol of continuity. (They brought their treasured items representing home.)

Variants and Related Words

• Penate (adj): relating to or characteristic of the household gods.
  • The penate shrine was adorned with offerings of grain and wine. (Pertaining to the penates.)

Synonyms

• Household gods: divine protectors of the home.
• Lares: similar Roman spirits guarding the family and property (often paired with penates).
• Hearth deities: gods associated with the domestic hearth.

Related Idioms

• To protect one's penates: To defend one's home and family.
  • He would do anything to protect his penates. (He would fiercely guard his household and loved ones.)