among the Romans, the common executioner. By reason of the odiousness of his office, the carnicus was expressly prohibited by the laws from having his dwelling-house within the city. In the writers of the middle ages carnicus also denotes a butcher.

Under the Anglo-Danish kings the carnicus was an officer of great dignity, being ranked with the archbishop of York, Earl Godwin, and the lord steward. Flor. Wigorn. ann. 1040, Rex Hardecanutus, Alfricum Ebor, Archiep. Goodenium comitem, Edricum dispensatore Throno sumum carnicicum, et alios magnum dignitatis victor Londinum misit.