Con"gi*a*ry (?), n.; pl.
Congiaries (#). [L. congiarium, fr.
congius a liquid measure.] A present, as of corn,
wine, or oil, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the
people; -- so called because measured to each in a
congius. Addison.
☞ In later years, when gifts of money were distributed,
the name congius was retained.