Definition

Noun: - (Ancient Rome) A toga worn by a youth as a symbol of manhood and citizenship: The toga virilis (literally "toga of manhood") was a plain white toga (toga pura) assumed by Roman male citizens around the age of 14-16 during a ceremony. It marked their formal transition from childhood to adulthood and their full entry into civic life.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ceremony where a Roman youth received his toga virilis was a significant family event.
  • Wearing the toga virilis meant he was now eligible for military service and could participate in public affairs.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used almost exclusively in historical or academic contexts discussing Roman society and rites of passage.
• It is often contrasted with the , the bordered toga worn by freeborn boys and certain magistrates.

Variants and Related Words

• Toga pura (n): Another name for the , emphasizing its plain, undyed white wool.
• Toga praetexta (n): The purple-bordered toga worn by Roman boys before assuming the .

Synonyms

• Toga of manhood: A direct English translation describing its symbolic function.

Related Phrases

• Assume the toga virilis: The formal phrase for the act of putting on this toga for the first time.
  • He assumed the toga virilis on his sixteenth birthday.

Noun

1. (ancient Rome) a toga worn by a youth as a symbol of manhood and citizenship