Lewis & Short

puls, pultis, f. [πόλτος], a thick pap or pottage made of meal, pulse, etc., the primitive food of the Romans before they became acquainted with bread; it was also used at sacrifices, and as food for the sacred chickens, Varr. L. L. 5, § 105 Müll.: videtur tam puls ignota, Graeciae fuisse quam Italiae polenta, Plin. 18, 8, 19, § 83; Val. Max. 2, 5, 5; Cato, R. R. 85; Juv. 11, 58; 14, 170; Pers. 6, 40; Mart. 5, 79, 9; 13, 8, 2; Cic. Div. 2, 35, 73; Fest. p. 245 Müll.