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

A college boy recited an address "to the conscript fathers."

From Pushing to the Front by Marden, Orison Swett

We must take care, therefore, O conscript fathers, to sanction the private decision of Decimus Brutus by public authority.

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

They do quickly pass away, and the conversation is pursued in the same strain, until "Monsieur de ——one of the conscript fathers of classicism" is announced.

From The American Quarterly Review, No. 17, March 1831 by Walsh, Robert

Although, even now, conscript fathers, the resentment of the goddess does not tarry either towards your generals or your soldiers.

From The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36 by Livius, Titus

Stricken in the midst of this service, in the very act of rising to debate, he fell into the arms of conscript fathers of the Republic.

From Life and Public Services of John Quincy Adams Sixth President of the Unied States by Seward, William Henry