lictor

A Roman functionary who carried fasces when attending a magistrate in public appearances.

Among the ancient Romans, one of a number of officers, required to be free-born (though freed-men were admitted to the office under the empire), whose functions were to attend a magistrate, bearing the fasces, in some cases with the ax and in others without it, in order to clear the way and enforce due respect, and also to arrest offenders and to scourge or behead condemned persons.

An officer who bore an ax and fasces or rods, as ensigns of his office. His duty was to attend the chief magistrates when they appeared in public, to clear the way, and cause due respect to be paid to them, also to apprehend and punish criminals.

An officer in ancient Rome, attendant on a consul or magistrate, who bore the fasces and was responsible for punishing criminals.