n.; pl. Congiaries /plu>. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In later years, when gifts of money were distributed, the name congius was retained. [ 1913 Webster ]