MERETRIX, among the Romans, differed from the prostitula. The prostitula were common courtesans, with bills over their doors, signifying their profession,
and were ready at all times to entertain customers; whereas the meretices entertained none but at night.—The meretices differed in their dress from the maisons; the former wore the foga and short tunics, like those of the men: the latter wore the palla and the stola of such a length as to reach to their feet.