conscript fathers

American  

plural noun

1. the senators of ancient Rome.

2. any legislators.

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conscript fathers British  

plural noun

1. literary august legislators, esp Roman senators

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Etymology

Origin of conscript fathers

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

conscript fathers

And on that day, O conscript fathers, you resolved that no other alternative was in your power, except either an honourable peace, or a necessary war.

From The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4 by Cicero, Marcus Tullius

I have explained to you, O conscript fathers, how I had intended to be here in January, so as to be of some service to the Republic.

From The Life of Cicero Volume II. by Trollope, Anthony

And a more critical time than the present, O conscript fathers, never was.

From The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4 by Cicero, Marcus Tullius

For it is usual among men that they who are chosen for any office should be inscribed in a book; as, for instance, soldiers, or counsellors, who formerly were called "conscript" fathers.

From Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

Do you think, O conscript fathers, that you have induced the Roman people to approve of the sending ambassadors?

From The Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4 by Cicero, Marcus Tullius