dictātor, ōris, m. [dicto, qs. a commander].
I A dictator , the chief magistrate in several Italian states, elected by the Romans in seasons of emergency for six months, and armed with absolute authority; formerly called Magister populi, and also Praetor Maximus, Cic. Leg. 3, 3, 9; id. Rep. 1, 40; Liv. 7, 3; Cic. Rep. 2, 32; Liv. 2, 18; Lydus de Magistr. 1, 36-38 et saep.; cf. Mommsen, Hist. Book I. ch. 2; 1, p. 330 N. Y. ed. Anthon's Smith's Antiq. p. 360; Kreuz. Excurs. XII. to Cic. Leg. p. 509.— The chief magistrate of other cities of Italy , Cic. Mil. 10; Liv. 1, 23; Spart. Hadr. 18; Inscr. Orell. 112; 2293; 3786 al.—
B Transf., of Hannibal, as chief of the Carthaginians, Column. Rostr.; cf. Cato ap. Gell. 10, 24, 7.—
II Qui dictat, one who dictates , Salv. Ep. 9 med.