lictor

[ lik-ter ]

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.

lictor

/ ˈlɪktə /

noun

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

Other Words From

• lic·to·ri·an [lik-, tawr, -ee-, uh, n, -, tohr, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lictor¹

1580–90; < Latin; compare Middle English littoures

Word History and Origins

Origin of lictor¹

C16 lictor, C14 littour, from Latin ligāre to bind

Example Sentences

Even the lictor, who marched before the high-priest and the soldiers of the guard were powerless.

From Project Gutenberg

Ibi cum in locis solitariis sederet, venit ad eum lictor Sextilii praetoris, qui tum Africam obtinebat.

From Project Gutenberg

Next he proceeded to Athens, where in concession to that ancient city, allied to Rome, he would use but one Lictor.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

The more vehemently he cried out, the more violently did the lictor tear off his clothes and strip him.

From Project Gutenberg