fecial
/ˈfiːʃəl/
adjective
- Relating to the ancient Roman priests (fetiales) who oversaw treaties, declarations of war, and other international rituals.
- The fecial priests performed a ceremony before Rome declared war on a neighboring tribe.
- The fecial rituals included throwing a spear into enemy territory as a formal declaration.
- Historians study fecial law to understand how the Romans justified their military actions.
noun
- A member of the ancient Roman college of priests responsible for religious ceremonies related to treaties and war.
- The fecials held great authority in matters of peace and war in early Rome.
- Each fecial carried a sacred staff during the treaty-signing ritual.
- A fecial was sent to deliver the Roman ultimatum to the enemy leaders.