Con″gi‐a‐ry (?), n.; pl.Congiaries (#). [L. congiarium, fr. congius a liquid measure.] A present, as of corn, wine, or oil, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the people; — so called because measured to each in a congius. Addison.
☞ In later years, when gifts of money were distributed, the name congius was retained.