lictor

[ lik-ter ]

noun

(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.

Origin of lictor

1580–90; <Latin; compare Middle English littoures

Other words from lictor

lic·to·ri·an [lik-tawr-ee-uhn, -tohr-], /lɪkˈtɔr i ən, -ˈtoʊr-/, adjective

Words Nearby lictor

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lictor in a sentence

Even the lictor, who marched before the high-priest and the soldiers of the guard were powerless.
Quintus Claudius, Volume 2 of 2 | Ernst Eckstein
Ibi cum in locis solitariis sederet, venit ad eum lictor Sextilii praetoris, qui tum Africam obtinebat.
Selections from Viri Romae | Charles Franois L'Homond
Next he proceeded to Athens, where in concession to that ancient city, allied to Rome, he would use but one lictor.
The Reign of Tiberius, Out of the First Six Annals of Tacitus | Tacitus
When he stood mute, and a number of men stood round him in a ring, to prevent his being seized, the consuls sent a lictor to him.
The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 | Titus Livius
The more vehemently he cried out, the more violently did the lictor tear off his clothes and strip him.
The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 | Titus Livius

British Dictionary definitions for lictor

lictor

/ (ˈlɪktə) /

noun

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

Origin of lictor

C16 lictor, C14 littour, from Latin ligāre to bind

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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