EXAUCTORATIO, in the Roman military discipline, differed from the missio, which was a full discharge, and took place after a soldier had served in the army twenty years; whereas the exauctoratio was only a partial discharge. The exauctorati lost their pay indeed, but still
remained under their colours or vexilla, though not under Exauctoratio the aquila or eagle, which was the standard of the legion; and hence, instead of legionarii, they were called sub-signani, and were retained till they had either served their full time or had lands assigned them. The exauctoratio took place after a soldier had served seventeen years.