conscript fathers

American  

plural noun

1. the senators of ancient Rome.

2. any legislators.

---

conscript fathers British  

plural noun

1. literary august legislators, esp Roman senators

---

Etymology

Origin of conscript fathers

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

The Senators were Patres, conscript fathers, heads of strong houses; the Patricians were those who had known 'fathers,' that is, a known and noble descent.

From Ave Roma Immortalis, Vol. 1 Studies from the Chronicles of Rome by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)

Even Quintus Fabius himself has observed, conscript fathers, in the commencement of his speech, that in the opinion he gave a feeling of jealousy might be suspected.

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

Every evil, conscript fathers, which captured cities suffer, we have suffered, and do now as much as ever suffer.

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

Patres conscripti, pā′tres kon-skrip′tī, n.pl. conscript fathers: the senators of ancient Rome.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

I fear, O conscript fathers, lest I should seem to have employed some false witness to flatter me with praises which do not belong to me.

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