lares and penates
noun
1.
Lares and Penates,
Roman Religion.
the benevolent spirits and gods of the household.
2.
the cherished possessions of a family or household.
Origin
1765-75;
<
Latin
Larēs
(
et
)
Penātēs
British Dictionary definitions for
lares and penates
lares and penates
/
ˈlɛəriːz;
ˈlɑː-
/
plural noun
1.
(
Roman myth
)
household gods
statues of these gods kept in the home
2.
the valued possessions of a household
Word Origin
Latin