carnifex

noun

car·​ni·​fex
ˈkärnəˌfeks
plural carnifexes
-ksə̇z
or carnifices
kärˈnifəˌsēz,
-əˌkās
: executioner
specifically : the public executioner in ancient Rome

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from carni- (from carn-, caro flesh) + fex (from facere to make)

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Cite this Entry

“Carnifex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnifex. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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