cetra

CETRAor CAETRA(καιτρέα, καίτρα), a target, i. e. a small round shield, made from an animal's hide (Isid. Orig. 18.12; Curt. 3.4; Varr. ap. Non. p. 82, 18), those of elephant's hide having the reputation of being impenetrable (Plin. Nat.11.227). The caetra is compared by Livy (Liv. 28.5, 31.36-Z2) to the pelta of the Greeks and Macedonians; it was sometimes painted (versicolor, Sil. 3.278), and troops advanced to battle clashing it against their weapons (ib. 3.348, 10.231). It was properly a barbarian arm (see, however, Verg. A. 7.732; Suet. Calig. 19), and was especially used by the Iberians (Caes. B.C. 1.39, 48; Luc. Phars. 7.232; Diod. Sic. 5.33; Hesych.), the Mauritanians (Strabo, 17. p. 828), and the Britons (Tac. Agric. 36). It is usually identified with the target of the Scottish Highlanders, and may be seen covering the left arms (Verg. l. c.) of the two accompanying figures, which are taken from a MS. of Prudentius, probably written in this country as early as the ninth century (Cod. Cotton. Cleop. 100.8). (Cf. Morelli, iii. n. 3; Cohen, Monn. Cons. Caecilia.) [PELTA]

or Caetra (καιτρέα, καίτρα). A small round shield made of ox-hide, and forming a part of the defensive armour of the Osci. (See arma.) It was also worn by the Spaniards and Mauretanians, and by the natives of Britain ( Agric. 36).

It does not appear that the Romans ever wore the cetra. Livy compares it to the pelta of the Greeks and Macedonians, which was also a small light shield.