spolia opima

From Latin spolia opīma.

spolia opima pl (plural only)

1. (historical) The spoils taken by a Roman general from an opponent commander, originally after single combat.
   • 1751, [Tobias] Smollett, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to IV), London: Harrison and Co., […], →OCLC:

     The victor having won the Spolia Opima, granted him his life, on condition, that he would on his knees supplicate his pardon […] .

   • 1832, Tales of the Alhambra, Washington Irving:

     He demanded his body therefore, and the spolia opima taken with him.

   • 2014, James H. Richardson, Federico Santangelo, The Roman Historical Tradition, page 315:

     Within Augustus' new forum, which was dedicated in 2, the spolia opima also played a central role.

spolia opīma n pl (genitive spoliōrum opīmōrum); second declension

1. The spoils taken by a Roman general from an opponent commander after single combat, representing the highest military honor known to the Romans.

Second-declension noun (neuter) with a second-declension adjective, plural only.