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

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

I approach the rest of my speech with great hope, O conscript fathers, since I have now passed by that perilous point amid your silence.

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

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

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

Does the crowd that surrounds my person offend you," said he, "Aulus Cornelius, and you, conscript fathers?

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