Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON'GI-A-RY, n. [L. congiarium, from congius, a measure; Fr. congiaire.]

Properly, a present made by the Roman emperors to the people; originally, in corn or wine measured out to them in a congius, a vessel holding a gallon or rather more. In present usage, a gift or donative represented on a medal. – Encyc. Addison.