lictor

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.

noun

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

n.late 14c., from Latin lictor, literally “binder,” from past participle stem of *ligere “to bind, collect,” collateral form of ligare (see ligament).