Herma
/ˈhɜːr.mə/noun
A square pillar or stone monument, typically topped with the head or bust of Hermes or another figure.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, hermai were placed outside homes and public spaces, but the mutilation of the herms in Athens in 415 BCE became a major political and religious scandal before the Sicilian Expedition.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Greek
Greek
ἕρμα (herma)
“A stone, rock, or stone monument; later a pillar or statue associated with Hermes.”
Classical Greek
Greek
ἑρμαῖ (hermai)
“Pillars or bust-topped boundary monuments, especially those dedicated to Hermes.”
Ancient Rome
Latin
herma
“A herm or square pillar bearing a human head or bust.”
Renaissance Latin
Latin
herma
“A classical architectural monument modeled on Greek herms.”
17th Century
English
herma
“A herm-shaped statue or architectural pillar.”
Modern English
English
herma
“A square pillar or monument topped by a head or bust.”
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