noun
- In Roman religion, household gods or spirits believed to protect a family and its home.
Usage: Usually plural; often capitalized when referring to the Roman deities; Historical/mythological context
Examples
- The ancient Romans honored their lares with daily offerings and prayers.
- Each household maintained a shrine to the lares in the corner of the home.
- The lares were believed to watch over the family's welfare and prosperity.
- Roman families would invoke the lares before important decisions.
- Worship of the lares was a central part of Roman domestic religion.