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DORYPHORI

Volume 6 · 50 words · 1797 Edition

(from δόρυ spear, and φορέω I bear), an appellation given to the life-guard-men of the Roman emperors. They were held in such high estimation, as frequently to have the command of armies conferred on them.—It was usual also for chief commanders to have their doryphori or life-guard to attend them.