lictor

noun

lic·​tor ˈlik-tər How to pronounce lictor (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Dictionary Entries Near lictor

Cite this Entry

“Lictor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lictor. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lictor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!