好词典

vespasian

UK //vɛˈspeɪziən//US //vɛˈspeɪʒən//

词源

源自罗马皇帝Titus Flavius Vespasianus(维斯帕先,9-79AD),他通过对公共小便征税来资助公共建设,该词在法语中演变为指代付费公厕。

noun

❶ 指公共厕所,尤指19世纪欧洲街头的付费公厕,名称源自罗马皇帝维斯帕先(Vespasian)对尿液征税的典故。

“The vespasian in Paris were notorious for their poor hygiene.”

(巴黎的公共厕所曾因卫生条件恶劣而臭名昭著。)

“He urgently searched for a vespasian along the boulevard.”

(他焦急地在林荫道上寻找公共厕所。)

同义词:public toilet, latrine, convenience

常见短语

Vespasian's tax — 指罗马皇帝维斯帕先对公共小便征收的税,后成为公共厕所的代称来源。

“The phrase 'Vespasian's tax' refers to the emperor's urine collection policy.”

(“维斯帕先税”一词源自这位皇帝征收小便税的政策。)