1. In ancient Rome, a member of a college of priests who conducted diplomatic negotiations, declared war, and performed religious ceremonies related to treaties and international relations.
Usage: historical; plural of fecial; also spelled fetials

Examples

• The fecials were responsible for maintaining Rome's diplomatic protocols with foreign nations.
• Ancient Roman fecials performed elaborate rituals before declaring war on an enemy state.
• The college of fecials served as both religious officials and diplomatic representatives.
• Fecials would recite formal declarations and oaths during treaty negotiations.