sb. pl. [L. fascēs (sing. fascis bundle) in same sense.]
1. A bundle of rods bound up with an axe in the middle and its blade projecting. These rods were carried by lictors before the superior magistrates at Rome as an emblem of their power.
1598. Grenewey, Tacitus’ Ann., I. iii. (1640), 63. The ashes were carried on the Tribunes and Centurions shoulders; the ensignes untrimmed; and the fasces or knitch of rods, turned downwards, went before.
1713. Swift, The Faggot.
| In history we never found | |
| The consuls’ fasces were unbound. |
1879. Froude, Cæsar, xxiii. 401. The consular fasces, the emblem of the hated Roman authority, were carried openly before Cæsar when he appeared in the streets.
b. Her. As a badge.
1889. Elvin, Dict. Her., s.v. Fascis, The Fasces are now frequently given to those who have held magisterial offices.
2. transf. and fig. a. The ensigns of authority or power, esp. in To take, lay down, resign the fasces; hence also, authority.
1619. Beaum. & Fl., Valentinian, V. v. Where he must take the fasces.
1666. Dryden, Ann. Mirab., 199. The Duke … shook aloft the Fasces of the Main.
1673–95. Wood, Life (1848), 184. The senr. proctor … laid down the fasces of his authority.
1797. Burke, Let. Affairs Irel., Wks. 1812, V. *321. You must submit your fasces to theirs.
1792. S. Rogers, The Pleasures of Memory, I. 292.
| When Diocletian’s self-corrected mind | |
| The imperial fasces of a world resigned. |
1827. Macaclay, Machiavelli, Ess. (1854), 49/2. He pines for the strength and glory of ancient Rome, for the fasces of Brutus and the sword of Scipio.
† b. The punishments threatened by the fasces; flogging or beheading. Obs.
1641. R. Brooke, Eng. Episc., II. vii. 109. That Tragedy, whose Epilogue was Flame and Fagot, or at least the Fasces to younger men.
c. humorously. The birch rod.
1762. Foote, Orator, I. Wks. 1799, I. 197. The fescues and fasces, which have been, from time immemorial, consigned to one, or more matron in every village.
