biga

noun3

1. •
   A stiff, yeast-based preferment.
2. •
   (rare) Any yeast starter.
3. •
   (historical) A Roman racing chariot drawn by two horses abreast.

   • "A biga or quadriga of mules?" suggested Carrados. "An eagle carrying off a hare, a figure flying with a wreath, a trophy of arms? Some of those perhaps?" — 1914