in Roman antiquity, denotes provision for a year of all sorts, as of flesh, wine, &c. but especially of corn. Annona is likewise the allowance of oil, salt, bread, flesh, corn, wine, hay, and straw, which was annually provided by the contractors for the maintenance of an army.

the Custard Apple. See Botany Index.

ANNONÆ PRÆFECTUS, in antiquity, an extraordinary magistrate, whose business it was to prevent a scarcity of provisions, and to regulate the weight and fineness of bread.