in Roman antiquity, the name of an order order of priests, instituted by Romulus or Numa; authors not being agreed on this head.

They were originally only three, viz. the Flamen Dialis, Flamen Martialis, and Flamen Quirinalis. The Flamen Dialis was sacred to Jupiter, and a person of the highest consequence and authority in the state. He discharged several religious duties which properly belonged to the kings, and was honoured with many eminent privileges beyond all other officers, but was obliged to observe several superstitious restraints. The Flamen Martialis was sacred to Mars, and was ordained to inspect the rites of that god. The Flamen Quirinalis was sacred to, and superintended the rites of, Quirinus Romulus. The Flamines last mentioned, though of high authority, were much inferior to the Flamen Dialis. All three were chosen by the people, and consecrated by the Pontifex Maximus. In latter times several priests of the same order and name were added to them, but inferior in power. The whole number at last amounted to 15; the three first of whom were senators, and called Flamines maiores; the other 12 taken from among the people, being denominated Flamines minores.—Some authors tell us the Romans had a Flamen for every deity they worshipped. The greater Flamines wore the robe edged with purple, like the great magistrates; had an ivory chair, and a seat in the senate. They wore a little band of thread about their heads, whence their name is said to be derived, quasi Filamines.—The wife of the Flamen Dialis was called Flaminica, and wore a flame-coloured habit, on which was painted a thunderbolt, and above her head-dress she had green oak boughs, to indicate that she belonged to Jupiter the thunderer, to whom the oak was sacred. The Flamines wore each of them a hat or cap called Flammum or Apex.