or SEPTA, in ancient Rome, a place in the Campus Martius, at first raised like a sheep-pen, but afterwards adorned with marble, and beautified with walks, galleries, and a tribunal or seat of justice. Within this precinct or enclosure the people were called to give their suffrages for the election of magistrates. The ascent into the ovilo was not by stairs, but by pontes, or narrow boards, laid there for the occasion. On this account, de ponte defici signifies to be deprived of the privilege of voting; and persons thus dealt with were called depontani.

OVIPAROUS, a term applied to such animals as bring forth their young from eggs; as birds, insects, and others.