Caput Extōrum
The convex upper part of the liver of a victim, from which the haruspices chiefly drew
their prognostications regarding coming events. Any disease or deficiency in this organ was
regarded as of unfavorable import. It was divided into two parts—one called
familiaris, from which the fate of friends was foretold; the other,
hostilis, from which they predicted the fate of enemies. See Pliny,
H. N. xi. 189, 190;
Livy, viii. 9;
de Div. ii. 12, 13.23 foll.; and the
articles
Augur;
Divinatio;
Haruspex.