παντομίμης, among the ancients, a person who could imitate all kind of actions and characters by signs and gestures, without speaking.

The pantomimes made a part in the theatrical entertainments of the ancients; their chief employment was to express, in gestures and action, whatever the chorus sung, changing their countenance and behaviour as the subject of the song varied. They were very ancient in Greece, being derived from the heroic times, according to some; but however this may be, they were certainly known in Plato's time. In Rome it was so late as the time of Augustus before they made their appearance. As to their dress, it was various, being always suited as near as possible to that of the person they were to imitate. The crocota was much used among the Roman pantomimes, in which and other female dresses they perforated women.