lictor

American  

[lik-ter] / ˈlɪk tər /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) one of a body of attendants on chief magistrates, who preceded them carrying the fasces and whose duties included executing the sentences of criminals.

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lictor British  

/ ˈlɪktə /

noun

1. one of a group of ancient Roman officials, usually bearing fasces, who attended magistrates, etc

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Other Word Forms

• lictorian
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of lictor

1580–90; < Latin; compare Middle English littoures

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lictor

He might assume Lincoln had been a lictor, a Roman official who served as a sort of bodyguard to elected magistrates.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 1, 2022

The lictor cried, “Sentence has been given,” and bade Icilius give place.

From The Children's Hour, Volume 3 (of 10) by Various

He then took my hand, and turning to the nearest lictor, bade him lead me to his own Memorial Hall.

From Roman life in the days of Cicero by Alfred John Church

He being repulsed, such of the fathers as attended the consuls, exclaiming against it as an intolerable insult, ran in a hurry from the tribunal to assist the lictor.

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

When they went through the street, they were attended by a lictor as the higher officers of the state were, and they were given special seats at the theatre.

From The Religion of Numa And Other Essays on the Religion of Ancient Rome by Jesse Benedict Carter