Con"gi*a*ry (?), n.; pl. Congiaries (#). [L. congiarium, fr. congius a liquid measure.]
A present, as of corn, wine, or oil, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the people; -- so called because measured to each in a congius.
Addison.
⇒ In later years, when gifts of money were distributed, the name congius was retained.
© Webster 1913.