amplexus, ūs, m. [amplector], an embracing, encircling, surrounding (mostly poet. and in post-Aug. prose). I. In gen.: amplexu terrarum, Lucr. 5, 319: serpentis amplexu, Cic. Div. 1, 36: exuit amplexus
, my embrace
, Ov. M. 9, 52: occupat (serpens) hos morsu, longis amplexibus illos
, id. ib. 3, 48: oceanus, qui orbem terrarum amplexu finit
, Liv. 36, 17; so Plin. 5, 9, 9, 48; Stat. Th. 6, 255 al.—II. Esp. A. A loving embrace, caress (mostly in plur.): cum dabit amplexus atque oscula dulcia figet
, Verg. A. 1, 687; Vulg. Prov. 7, 18: inter amplexus flevit
, ib. Gen. 46, 29: aliquem impedire amplexu
, Ov. M. 2, 433: dum petis amplexus
, id. H. 14, 69 Ruhnk.; Sen. Thyest. 522; also: amplexu petere aliquem
, Ov. M. 6, 605: longe fieri ab amplexibus
, Vulg. Eccl. 3, 5: circumfusus amplexibus Tiberii sui
, Vell. 2, 123: tenere aliquem amplexu
, Tac. A. 12, 68: in amplexus alicujus ruere
, id. ib. 16, 32: in amplexus ejus effusus
, id. ib. 12, 47.—B. Euphemist., Ov. M. 4, 184; Juv. 6, 64; Sil. 11, 399 Drak.