Capitoline games
noun
Games held in ancient Rome in honour of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, to celebrate the dedication of his temple on the Capitoline hill.
- The Capitoline games, which may date from the 6th cent. b.c., were reinstituted after a period of neglect by Domitian in 86 a.d., and held every four years until their abolition in the 4th cent..
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. After classical Latin lūdī Capitōlīnī.