Lewis & Short

prō-sĕco, cŭi, ctum (old inf. pass. parag. prosecarier, Plaut. Poen. 2, 1, 8), 1, v. a., to cut off from before, cut away or off.

  1. I. In gen. (post-class.): prosectis naso prius ac mox auribus, App. M. 2, p. 128, 11.
  2. II. In partic.
    1. A. In agriculture, to cut up, break up with the plough (post-Aug.): solum, Plin. Ep. 5, 6, 10.
    2. B. In relig. lang., to cut off the parts to be sacrificed: vetui exta prosecarier, Plaut. Poen. 2, 1, 8: ubi exta prosecta erunt, Cato, R. R. 134: hostiae exta, Liv. 5, 21: exta prosecuit, Suet. Aug. 1: prosecta pectora, Val. Fl. 3, 439.
      1. 2. In gen., to sacrifice (eccl. Lat.): Aesculapio gallinaceum, Tert. Apol. 46.
        Hence, prō-sectum, i, n., that which is cut off for sacrifice, the entrails, Varr. L. L. 5, § 110 Müll.; in plur., Ov. M. 12, 152; id. F. 6, 163; Stat. Th. 5, 641; Licin. Macer. ap. Non. 220, 20.
        Collat. form prōsecta, ae, f., Lucil. ap. Non. 220, 22 dub. (al. prosicies).