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 Ovid. ancient calendar, the idea of June are thus denoted; Fast. vi. 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 Lampsacan god. Hence the formula, Vestæ delicium est asinus.