matula, ae, f., a vessel, pot for liquids (ante- and post-class.). In gen.: continentur mundo muliebri specula, matulae, unguenta, vasa unguentaria, Dig. 34, 2, 25, § 10. As a term of abuse, a simpleton, noodle (cf. Engl. colloq., a vessel): numquam ego te tam esse matulam credidi. Quid metuis? Plaut. Pers. 4, 3, 64.

—Prov.: Est modus matulae, we should observe moderation, the title of a satire of Varro.

— In partic., a chamber-pot, urinal: matula vas urinae, Paul. ex Fest. p. 125 Mull.; Plaut. Most. 2, 1, 39; Hier. Ep. 117, 8.