Sinnius Capito was a prominent Roman grammarian and scholar who lived during the late Republic and early Empire (1st century BCE). Because his original writings are lost, his work survives exclusively through fragments quoted by later ancient authors. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The primary references, alongside their parallel Latin and English translations, document what Aulus Gellius, Sextus Pompeius Festus, and Marcus Verrius Flaccus preserved regarding his linguistic and proverbial scholarship. [1]

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1. Aulus Gellius (Noctes Atticae)

Aulus Gellius directly quotes and references Sinnius Capito in his miscellany, Attic Nights. The two most notable references concern the definition of a syntax error (solecism) and the proper spelling of the word for "more". [1, 2, 3, 4]

On the Definition of a Solecism (5.20.2)

• Latin:

  "Soloecismus" est, inquit, impar atque inconveniens compositura partium orationis.

• English:

  "A solecism," he says, "is an irregular and incongruous joining together of the parts of speech."

  [1, 2, 3]

On the Use of "Pluria" instead of "Plura" (5.21.9–10)

• Latin/English: Gellius cites Capito's letters on usage, specifically arguing for pluria over plura. [1, 2]

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2. Sextus Pompeius Festus (De Verborum Significatu) [1]

Festus, drawing upon the earlier lexicon of Verrius Flaccus, preserves several of Capito's interpretations of ancient idioms. [1, 2]

• "Vapula Papiria" (Festus 512L/372M): Capito explains this as an expression of defiance, used by those relying on their liberty.
• "Quot servi, tot hostes" (Festus 261M): Capito argues this common proverb was historically inversed, suggesting it originated as quot hostis, tot servi.
• "Rideo, inquit Galba, canterio" (Festus 282M): Interpreted by Capito as referencing failure at the very beginning of an endeavor. [1, 2, 3]

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3. Marcus Verrius Flaccus

As a primary source for Festus, Flaccus preserves Capito's work, particularly regarding archaic terminology. Through Flaccus's surviving text, we see Capito's research into religious and local rituals, including the interpretation of masks, known as Manii, used in Aricia. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

If you are tracking down a specific fragment, let me know:Is there a particular word or proverb you are looking for?Are you studying this for linguistic development or Roman religious context?I can help extract deeper textual context for you.