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viaticum

viaticum

9.9
Help given to someone for a journey, for example money or food
  • noun
  • /vaɪˈætɪkəm/
  • Archaic
: viático
  • The pilgrims prepared their viaticum carefully, ensuring they had enough supplies for the long journey ahead.

Examples

  • He received a small amount of viaticum from his parents to support him while studying abroad.

  • Michael Solomon has characterized the Compendio as a type of "Viaticum," a portable, readily accessible handbook for travelers.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Before embarking on her hiking adventure, she packed enough viaticum to sustain her during the trip.

Synonyms

aid
vsviaticum
826 1.0

Help given to people or places in need

can also mean money or supplies given for a journey
support
vsviaticum
223 1.0

Money given to help a person or project

includes such help but also covers supplies for a journey
provisions
vsviaticum
35 2.6

A supply of food and other needed things for a trip

also covers money or other support in hard times
succor
vsviaticum
  • Formal
4 9.8

Help given to people in a difficult or dangerous time

is broader and also applies to money or food for a journey
victuals
vsviaticum
  • Archaic
1 9.1

Food and drink kept or prepared to eat

also covers money or general support beyond only food

How Much

grant
349 3.5
viaticum
  • Archaic
9.9
stipend
25 6.7
allowance
127 1.7

Surface Forms

viaticum singular
viatica plural

Etymology

The word viaticum comes from the Latin via, meaning 'road' or 'way', and originally meant the money, food, or other 'provisions' you take on a journey. So today a viaticum can mean the help or supplies given to someone before they set out on a trip or when they face a hard time.