LARVÆ, in antiquity, derived from the Hetruscan word lar or lars, signifying "prince or lord," denoted the ghosts of the deceased, considered as wicked and mischievous. Hence is formed the term larvatus, i. e. larvâ indutus or demoniacus. The ingenious Mr Farmer urges the etymology and use of this term to prove, that the heathen demons were human ghosts.—The larvæ were also called lemures.