And here's a definition from m-w.com, in case anybody was saying to themselves, "well, that's nice, but if only an Editiing Parrot would tell me the etymology of that word!"
Main Entry: lic·tor
Pronunciation: 'lik-t&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English littour, from Latin lictor
: an ancient Roman officer who bore the fasces as the insignia of his office and whose duties included accompanying the chief magistrates in public appearances