Some additional conversation between IH and myself this evening via message:
(Originally I asked a question about Adaru and any historical background and misspoke - calling the portametus something else)
IH: Actually the term "portametus" was handed to us, not invented. Odd, no?
IH
GB: Porta means gate in several languages and Metus is a Latin noun for fear. The odd part is who labeled the item as such, since they would know the function.
IH: Nevertheless, counselor, that's how it arrived here in Princeton with a label attached...from Universal Art & Desigfn department.
IH