1. In ancient Rome, a member of a college of priests responsible for conducting diplomatic negotiations, declaring war, and making treaties on behalf of the state.
Usage: historical; plural form; singular is 'fetial'; also spelled 'fetials'

Examples

• The fetiales were consulted before Rome declared war on its neighbors.
• Ancient Roman fetiales performed elaborate rituals to validate treaties.
• The college of fetiales held significant political and religious authority in the Roman Republic.
• Fetiales served as official intermediaries between Rome and foreign powers.