a bundle of rods bound about an ax with projecting blade, carried before ancient Roman magistrates as a symbol of authority: later the symbol of Italian fascism
Origin:
L, pl. of fascis, a bundle, fagot, packet < OE base *bhasko-, bundle > MIr basc, neckband
See fasces in American Heritage Dictionary 4
plural noun
A bundle of rods bound together around an ax with the blade projecting, carried before ancient Roman magistrates as an emblem of authority.