Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Lictor \Lic"tor\ (l[i^]k"t[o^]r), n. [L.] (Rom. Antiq.)
   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.

         Lictors and rods, the ensigns of their power. --Milton.