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

And when the lictor, for reverence' sake, would have tied the cord loosely about the hands of Postumius, Postumius said, "Nay, but bind tight the cord that the matter may be done rightly."

From Stories From Livy by Pinelli, Bartolomeo

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 Livius, Titus

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

From Stories From Livy by Pinelli, Bartolomeo

They have haled him from the Court-house, And have locked him up below; And the lictor guards the pewter, With its head of froth like snow.

From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various