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

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Etymology

Origin of lictor

1580–90; < Latin; compare Middle English littoures

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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

Go, lictor," he said, "bind those hands which but a little while since, being armed, established sovereignty for the Roman people.

From Roman Women by Alfred Brittain

At first both bawled aloud, and vied in interrupting each other by their clamour, until being restrained by the lictor, and commanded to speak in turns, they at length cease railing.

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

Mr. Wentworth, whose services in the cause of Australian freedom have immortalized his name, is yet a lictor when he turns towards the multitude, and a tribune only when he faces the seat of authority.

From The History of Tasmania , Volume II by John West

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

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