CATON2. Marcus Porcius Cato, 234-149 B.C., known as Cato Maior, became consul in 195 B.C. and censor in 184 B.C. As censor, he attacked the luxurious habits of the rich; he tried to reform the lax morals of the nobility by criticizing powerful offenders. He objected to Greek learning and culture, and he adopted the stance of the rustic Roman gentleman. He was the great-grandfather of Cato Uticensis (Plutarch, Life of Cato Major).
Lady Philosophy, using the ubi sunt theme, asks: "What is now Brutus or stierne Caton?" Bo II, Metr 7.19. [Catoun2]
Caton is the French variant of the family name Cato.