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

They do quickly pass away, and the conversation is pursued in the same strain, until "Monsieur de ——one of the conscript fathers of classicism" is announced.

From The American Quarterly Review, No. 17, March 1831 by Walsh, Robert

For it is usual among men that they who are chosen for any office should be inscribed in a book; as, for instance, soldiers, or counsellors, who formerly were called "conscript" fathers.

From Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

But it becomes your prudence, O conscript fathers, to provide as far forward as possible for posterity.

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

Stricken in the midst of this service, in the very act of rising to debate, he fell into the arms of conscript fathers of the Republic.

From Life and Public Services of John Quincy Adams Sixth President of the Unied States by Seward, William Henry

I will do neither, conscript fathers; and if in nothing else, though a young man, I shall certainly have shown my superiority over this old man, in modesty and the government of my tongue.

From The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36 by Livius, Titus