lictor

American  

[lik-ter] / ˈlɪk tər /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) one of a body of attendants on chief magistrates, who preceded them carrying the fasces and whose duties included executing the sentences of criminals.

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lictor British  

/ ˈlɪktə /

noun

1. one of a group of ancient Roman officials, usually bearing fasces, who attended magistrates, etc

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Other Word Forms

• lictorian adjective

Etymology

Origin of lictor

1580–90; < Latin; compare Middle English littoures

Example Sentences

He might assume Lincoln had been a lictor, a Roman official who served as a sort of bodyguard to elected magistrates.

From Washington Post • Oct. 1, 2022

Oleo parat urere lictor: Sed quem uri lictor credidit, unctus erat.

From The Complete Works of Richard Crashaw, Volume II (of 2) by Crashaw, Richard

Some of your slaves must guard them, Catiline, and I will send a lictor to cite Paullus, that he appear before me after the session at the Puteal Libonis.

From The Roman Traitor, Vol. 1 by Herbert, Henry William

Mr. Wentworth, whose services in the cause of Australian freedom have immortalized his name, is yet a lictor when he turns towards the multitude, and a tribune only when he faces the seat of authority.

From The History of Tasmania , Volume II by West, John

Go, lictor," he said, "bind those hands which but a little while since, being armed, established sovereignty for the Roman people.

From Roman Women by Brittain, Alfred