lictor

A Roman lictor carries his fasces through the forum.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Ancient Roman official: A "lictor" was a civil servant in ancient Rome who accompanied magistrates and other high-ranking officials, acting as a bodyguard and carrying the fasces (a bundle of rods and an axe) as a symbol of authority and power.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The lictor walked before the consul, clearing the way. (The official bodyguard preceded the magistrate to ensure his safety and display his rank.)
  • Each lictor carried the fasces, representing the magistrate's power to punish. (The bundle of rods and axe symbolized the authority to enforce laws.)

Advanced Usage

• "lictors in procession": a group of lictors accompanying a high-ranking Roman official in a formal march.

  • The lictors in procession were a common sight during public ceremonies in the Roman Forum. (The official bodyguards were part of formal events.)

• "chief lictor": the senior lictor who led the group and organized their duties.

  • The chief lictor ensured that all lictors followed protocol. (The leader of the bodyguards maintained order.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lictoral (adj): relating to a lictor or the office of lictor.

  • The lictoral duties included carrying the fasces and protecting the magistrate. (Pertaining to the role of a lictor.)

• Fasces (n): the bundle of rods and an axe carried by lictors, symbolizing authority.

  • The fasces were a powerful emblem of Roman justice. (The object carried by lictors.)

Synonyms

• Bodyguard: a person employed to protect someone.
• Attendant: a person who accompanies and serves a high-ranking official.
• Officer: a person holding a position of authority in a government or organization.

Related Idioms

• "carry the fasces": to hold a position of authority or to symbolize power.

  • In the Roman Senate, only the consul could carry the fasces. (Only the highest magistrate could display the symbol of power.)

• "lictors of the law": a poetic or historical reference to enforcers of legal authority.

  • The lictors of the law were feared for their swift punishment. (The officials who enforced the law.)