Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
lemures
noun
/ˈlɛm.jʊrz/
Definition
Lemures are spirits of the dead in Roman mythology, often considered to be the souls of deceased ancestors or restless spirits.
Examples
- During the festival of Lemuria, Romans would perform rites to soothe the lemures of their ancestors.
- Some cultures have similar beliefs about spirits that linger after death, akin to the concept of lemures.
Meaning
In ancient Rome, lemures were believed to roam the Earth at night, haunting the living unless appeased through rituals and offerings.
Synonyms
- ghosts
- spirits
- phantoms
