ˈbaltēəs, ˈbȯl. noun
( plural bal·tei -ēˌī)
Etymology: Latin
1.
a. : an ancient Roman belt or baldric
b. : one of the passages between the tiers of seats in an auditorium of ancient Rome
2. also bal·the·us -lthēəs : a belt worn by an ecclesiastic ; specifically : subcinctorium