Meaning: Its source is a Latin expression meaning "Sabine woman."

Narrative: The Sabines were an ancient people who had the bad luck to have the aggressive, acquisitive Romans for neighbors. History records their conquest and assimilation by the Romans around 290 B.C.

A legend tells how the Romans raided them and carried off the Sabine women. When the Sabine men organized to retrieve them, the women intervened and made peace between the warring parties. Needless to say, this was a Roman legend.