penates

/pəˈneɪtiz/
noun
  1. In ancient Roman religion, the household gods that protected the family's home and food supplies.
    • When they moved to a new house, they carried their penates with them.
    • The family kept small statues of the penates on the hearth.
    • Offerings were made to the penates to ensure a good harvest.
  2. Figuratively, the cherished possessions or household items that make a place feel like home.
    • They packed up their penates and moved across the country.
    • After years of travel, she finally gathered her penates and settled down.
    • His books and guitar were his penates, the things that made any apartment feel like home.
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