latrunculus

lā̆truncŭlus, i, m. dim. [2. latro].

I.

A highwayman, robber, freebooter, brigand:

mastrucati latrunculi,

Cic. Prov. Cons. 7, 15:

hostes sunt, quibus bellum publice populus Romanus decrevit, vel ipsi populo Romano, ceteri latrunculi vel praedones appellantur,

Dig. 49, 15, 24 (cf. the passage from Dig. 50, 16, 118, where the word latrones is used;

v. 2. latro, II.): a latrunculis vel hostibus,

ib. 39, 5, 34.—Of the usurper of a throne, Vop. Firm. 2, 1.—

II.

A man, pawn, in draughts or chess. latrunculis ludimus, Sen. Ep. 106, 11; Varr. L. L. 10, § 22 Müll.; Plin. 8, 54, 80, § 215.