1. a bundle of rods with an axe, carried before ancient Roman magistrates as a symbol of authority
Usage: historical; always plural
2. an emblem of authority or power, especially as used in fascist symbolism
Usage: political symbolism

Examples

• The Roman consul’s fasces were carried by his lictors as symbols of his power.
• Ancient Roman fasces consisted of birch rods bound together with an axe.
• The fasces became a symbol adopted by various political movements.
• Museums display replicas of Roman fasces to illustrate ancient government.
• The magistrate’s authority was represented by the ceremonial fasces.
• Historical fasces were made from elm or birch wood bound with red leather.