Brewer's: Diadem

meant, originally, a fillet wound round the head. The diadem of Bacchus was a broad band, which might be unfolded so as to make a veil. Hieronymus, king of Syracuse (B.C. 216-215), wore a diadem. Constantine the Great (306-337) was the first of the Roman emperors who wore a diadem. After his time it was set with rows of pearls and precious stones. (Greek dia-deo, to bind entirely.)

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