FABIUS Maximus (Quintus), one of the greatest generals of his time, was surnamed Cunctator, because being created dictator, after the battle of Trasimene, in the 217th year before the Christian æra, he found means to weary out Hannibal without fighting, by encamping in the most advantageous manner, and incessantly harassing him. Hannibal sent him word, that "If he was as great a captain as he would be thought, he ought to come into the plain and give him battle." But Fabius coldly replied, "That if he was as great a captain as he would be thought, he would do well to force him to fight." Fabius was five times consul; and performed such great services for his country, that he was called The Buckler of the Republic. See (History of) ROME.