pole to which the vine clings

admĭnĭcŭlum, i, n. [ad-manus], prop., that on which the hand may rest, then in gen., a prop, stay, support.

Lit.

Orig. in the language of vine-dressers, the stake or pole to which the vine clings, and by which it is supported:

vites claviculis adminicula, tamquam manibus apprehendunt, atque ita se erigunt, ut animantes,

Cic. N. D. 2, 47:

adminiculorum ordines, capitum jugatio,

id. Sen. 15; so Plin. 17, 24, 36, § 215; cf. Drak. Liv. 6, 1, 4.— Hence,

In gen., of any prop, stay, or support, assistance: adminicula hominum, i. e. oxen, implements of agriculture, etc., Varr. R. R. 1, 17; Liv. 21, 36:

motam (Junonem) sede sua parvi molimenti adminiculis,

id. 5, 22:

adminicula gubernandi addidit Tiphys,

means of steering, the rudder, Plin. 7, 56, 57, § 209; cf. id. 11, 37, 61, § 162. —

Trop., support, aid, auxiliary, assistant (class.):

ad legionem cum itant, adminiculum eis danunt aliquem cognatum,

an assistant, Plaut. Most. 1, 2, 48:

hanc igitur partem relictam explebimus, nullis adminiculis, sed, ut dicitur, Marte nostro,

Cic. Off. 3, 7:

natura solitarium nihil amat, semperque ad aliquod tamquam adminiculum adnititur,

id. Lael. 23 fin.:

quo primo adminiculo erecta erat (urbs), eodem innisa M. Furio principe stetit,

Liv. 6, 1:

id senectuti suae adminiculum fore,

id. 10, 22:

egere adminiculis, ut in commune consulat,

Tac. A. 12, 5; so,

in militia aut via fessus adminiculum oro,

id. ib. 14, 54:

nullius externi indigens adminiculi,

Amm. 24, 8; 21, 12; 14, 6:

Quibus debetis esse adminiculo,

Vulg. Esth. 16, 20.