lictor

noun

lic·tor ˈlik-tər

: an ancient Roman officer who bore the fasces as the insignia of his office and whose duties included accompanying the chief magistrates in public appearances

Examples of lictor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Bundles of sticks around ax blades were borne by officials called lictors who worked for chief magistrates. —

John Kelly, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English littour, from Latin lictor

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of lictor was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lictor. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation