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DORYPHORI

Volume 17 · 52 words · 1810 Edition

(from δόρυ, spear, and φέρω, 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.