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 ancient calendar, the ides of June are thus denoted; vi. 311. Vestum est Vestae. Asinus coronatur!—This honour, it seems, was done the beast, because, by its braying, it had saved Vesta from being ravished by the Lamp-facian god. Hence the formula, Vestae delicium est asinus.