fēbrŭum | februa, ōrum | Februālis | Febrūlis | Februāta | Februātus | Februus (noun N.n) : Orig., in the Sabine lang.
* A purgation, means of purification.— Hence, , , , the Roman festival of purification and expiation, celebrated on the 15th of the month hence called February (v. Februarius); whence, , , and , surnames of Juno, who was worshipped at this festival; , the festival itself; and , a surname of Lupercus, who presided over this festival: Lupercalia dicta, quod in Lupercali luperci sacra faciunt. Rex cum ferias menstruas Nonis Februariis edicit, hunc diem Februatum appellat. Februum Sabini purgamentum, et id in sacris nostris verbum; nam et Lupercalia februatio,Varr. L. L. 6, § 13 Müll.; cf. Serv. Verg. A. 8, 343: Ego arbitror Februarium a die Februato, quod tum februatur populus, id est lupercis nudis lustratur antiquum oppidum Palatinum gregibus humanis cinctum, id. ib. 6, § 34; cf. also Paul. ex Fest. p. 85, 13 sq. Müll.: Februa Romani dixere piamina patres,Ov. F. 2, 19; 4, 726; 5, 423: Juno pulchra ... nam Fluoniam, Februalemque ac Februam mihi poscere non necesse est, cum nihil contagionis corporeae sexu intemerata pertulerim,Mart. Cap. 2, § 149: Februlis, Paul. ex Fest. p. 85, 16 Müll.; Arnob. 3, p. 118 (dub. al. Februtis).