serpirastra

serpĕrastra ( serpĭr- ), ōrum, n. [perh. from serpo - rastrum, creepingsplints], knee-splints or knee-bandages for straightening the crooked legs of children.

* I.

Lit.:

pueris in geniculis alligare,

Varr. L. L. 9, § 11 Müll.—

* II.

Transf., humorously of officers, who hold the soldiers in check:

de serperastris cohortis meae nihil est quod doleas,

Cic. Att. 7, 3, 8.