ASS, in Zoology, is ranged as a species of equus, or horse. See MAMMALIA Index.
Coronation of the Ass, in antiquity, was a part of the ceremony of the feast of Vesta, wherein the bakers put bread crowns on the heads of these quadrupeds; Ecce coronatis panis dependet asellis *. Hence, in an Oral Fost. ancient calendar, the ides of June are thus denoted, vi. 311. Festum est Vestæ. Asinus coronatur!—This honour, it seems, was done the beast, because, by its braying, it had saved Vesta from being ravished by the Lamplacan god. Hence the formula, Vestæ delictum est asinus.