saccus
[ˈsak.kʊs]masculine
The English word sack is translated into Latin as saccus. Wiktionary also lists culeus and follis.
Meaning: bag for commodities or items (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| saccus | [ˈsak.kʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈsak.kus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| culeus | masculine | |
| follis | [ˈfɔl.lɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfɔl.lis] (narrow) |
masculine |
All three Latin forms refer to a bag for commodities or items.
Which one should you use?
saccus is the most general term for a sack or bag made of cloth or leather. In contrast, culeus typically refers to a larger container, such as a skin-bag or a large sack used for heavy commodities like grain. Finally, follis specifically refers to a bag that is inflated, such as a bladder or a bellows.
How does it change in a sentence?
The genitive singular form of saccus is sacci (of the sack), and the accusative plural form is saccos (sacks).
Did you know?
- In Roman history, the culeus was used for a gruesome form of execution where a criminal was sewn into a large leather sack and thrown into a river.
- The English word 'belly' is a distant linguistic relative of the Latin follis, as both derive from a root meaning 'to swell'.
- The word follis is related to the Old English word belġan, which meant 'to swell with anger'.
Examples in context
- "Saccus" est vas aptum sarcinae variae.A sack is a vessel suitable for various loads.
- "Saccellus" est receptaculum parvum aptum sarcinae levis.A saccellus is a small container suitable for light loads.
- Multī saccellīMany small sacks
- Parvī saccellīSmall containers
- Saccus graecus plenus est.The Greek sack is full.
Example conversation
A merchant and a customer are discussing goods at a market.
- JuliaSaccus hic est gravis.This sack is heavy.
- GaiusEstne saccus plenus frumentī?Is the sack full of grain?
- JuliaIta, saccus multum frumenti continet.Yes, the sack contains much grain.
- GaiusTunc eum emere volo.Then I want to buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sack” translations and entries saccus, culeus, follis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries culeus, follis, saccus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
