in chronology, the second month of Numa's year, and under the protection of the god Neptune. This month is not found in the calendar of Romulus, but was added to the year by Numa. It had its name from Februus, Februaca, or Februalis, all names of Juno, who presided over the purifications of women; and in this month the Lupercalia were held in honour of Juno, and women were purified by the priests of Pan Lyceus at that festival. See LUPERCALIA.

a common year, consists only of 28 days; but in the bissextile year it has 29, on account of the intercalary day added that year.