in Antiquity, an officer in the Roman army who led the wing of a small division of troops; or, according to some, an adjutant of a centurion, tribune, &c. The term is derived from corniculum, a little horn, with which the cornicularius was presented on promotion. Salmasius, however, derives it from a horn-shaped crest worn on the helmet as a reward of valour.

In the civil service, the term cornicularius was used for a secretary or assistant; in which sense the word is supposed to come from corniculum, a little horn to contain ink.

CORNU. See Horn.