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

I request, conscript fathers, that you will hear without offence what I am reluctant to mention.

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

I have just briefly explained to you, O conscript fathers, the reason of my return.

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

Can I be surprised," says he, "if your authority is of little weight, conscript fathers? yourselves are disparaging it.

From The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 by Livius, Titus

But it becomes your prudence, O conscript fathers, to provide as far forward as possible for posterity.

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

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