silentiary

noun

si·​len·​ti·​ary
sīˈlenchēˌerē
plural -es
1
: an advocate of silence especially as a religious observance
2
: one of various court officials of the later Roman Empire sworn not to divulge secrets of state
3
: one appointed to keep silence and order (as in a court of law or a public assembly)

Word History

Etymology

Latin silentiarius slave charged with maintaining silence among the domestic staff, from silentium silence + -arius -ary

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Dictionary Entries Near silentiary

Cite this Entry

“Silentiary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silentiary. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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