in the Roman military discipline, differed from the missio, which was a full discharge, and took place after they had served in the army 25 years; whereas the exauctoratio was only a partial discharge: they lost their pay indeed, but still kept under their colours or vexilla, though not under the aquila (or eagle), which was the standard of the legion; whence, instead of Legionarii, they were called Subsignarii, and were retained till they had either served their full time or had lands assigned them. The exauctoratio took place after they had served 17 years.