Fasces

//ˈfæsiːz// noun

noun ·Uncommon ·College level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A Roman symbol of judicial authority consisting of a bundle of wooden sticks, with an axe blade embedded in the centre; used also as a symbol of fascism.
  2. 2
    bundle of rods containing an ax with the blade protruding; in ancient Rome it was a symbol of a magistrate's power; in modern Italy it is a symbol of fascism wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
armorybadgebadge of officebadgesbalebaton

Example

More examples

"Now came, preceded by lictors with their fasces, the vestal virgins, seated in silver chariots drawn by milk-white steeds, followed closely by another band of flamens, leading a long line of hostia (oxen to be sacrificed), their horns richly gilded, their heads adorned with wreaths, each animal led by a victimarius."

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin fasces, plural of fascis.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.