Sicarius
/sɪˈkɛəriəs/noun
A term referring to an assassin or murderer, particularly in ancient Rome.
Did you know?The word 'Sicarius' is linked to a group of Jewish zealots known for their violent resistance against Roman rule, wielding daggers to carry out political assassinations.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
sicarius
“a dagger-wielder, assassin”
1st Century
Latin
Sicarii
“members of a Jewish extremist group who used daggers for assassination”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
sicarius
“one who kills or murders, particularly in a clandestine fashion”
Modern English
English
sicarius
“a term adopted into English to denote an assassin, retaining its historical connotation of stealthy murder”