Orchius

• the name of a Roman gens.—So, C. Orchius, a tribune of the people, 572 A.U.C., by whom the Lex Orchia was proposed, Macr. S. 3, 17, 2; Schol. Bob. ad Cic. Sest. p. 310, 32 Bait.

tribune of the plebs in the third year after the consulship of Cato, B. C. 181, was the author of a sumtuaria lex, limiting the number of guests to be present at entertainments. When attempts were afterwards made to repeal this law, Cato offered the strongest opposition, and delivered a speech in defence of the law, which is referred to by the grammarians. (Macrob. Saturn. 2.13 ; Festus, s. vv. Obsonitavere, Percunctatem; Schol. Bob. in Cic. pro Sest. p. 310, ed. Orelli; Meyer, Orat. Rom. Franlqenta, p. 91, &c., 2nd ed.