§248. The Paenula.--Older than the _lacerna_ and used by all sorts and conditions of men was the _paenula_ (Fig. 89), a heavy coarse wrap of wool, leather, or fur, used merely for protection against rain or cold, and therefore never a substitute for the toga or made of fine materials or bright colors. It seems to have varied in length and fullness, but to have been a sleeveless wrap, made in one piece with a hole in the middle, through which the wearer thrust his head. It was, therefore, classed with the _vestīmenta clausa_, or closed garments, and must have been much like the modern poncho. It was drawn on over the head, like a tunic or sweater, and covered the arms, leaving them much less freedom than the _lacerna_ did. In those of some length there was a slit in front running from the waist down, and this enabled the wearer to hitch the cloak up over one shoulder, leaving one arm comparatively free, but at the same time exposing it to the weather. It was worn over either tunic or toga according to circumstances, and was the ordinary traveling habit of citizens of the better class. It was also commonly worn by slaves, and seems to have been furnished regularly to soldiers stationed in places where the climate was severe. Like the _lacerna_ it was sometimes supplied with a hood. [Illustration: FIGURE 90. SOLDIER WEARING THE ABOLLA] §249. Other Wraps.--Of other articles included under the general term _amictus_ we know little more than the names. The _synthesis_ was a dinner dress worn at table over the tunic by the ultrafashionable, and sometimes dignified by the special name of _vestis cēnātōria_, or _cēnātōrium_ alone. It was not worn out of the house except on the Saturnalia, and was usually of some bright color. Its shape is unknown. The _laena_ and _abolla_ were very heavy woolen cloaks, the latter (Fig. 90) being a favorite with poor people who had to make one garment do duty for two or three. It was used especially by professional philosophers, who were proverbially careless about their dress. One is thought to be worn by the man on the extreme left, in the picture of a school shown in §119. The _endormis_ was something like the modern bath robe, used by men after violent gymnastic exercise to keep from taking cold, and hardly belongs under the head of dress. [Illustration: FIGURE 91. SOLEAE]