centurion
noun
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In ancient Rome, a century was approximately equal to a company in the U.S. Army, and a centurion was roughly equivalent to a captain. Centurions play a role in the New Testament; Jesus performs a miracle for a centurion in Capernaum, centurions are present at the crucifixion, and in later years St. Paul is arrested by centurions. According to a writer of the time, centurions were chosen for their size and strength, their abilities at swordplay and at throwing missiles, and the quality of their discipline, which was partly shown by how well their soldiers kept their own armor polished.
Examples of centurion in a Sentence
Erik Morse, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2024
Roman centurion Lucius Verginius killed his daughter to protect her chastity from an abuser, Appius Claudius.
—Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024
As the centurions fell to their knees, the angels approached the tomb, rolled away the stone in front, and stood aside as the few onlookers present got their first glimpse of Randall, dressed in a white robe and gold sash, beginning to stir inside.
—Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2023
As the scenario began, two men in Roman centurion attire stood silently in front of the burial site, butts of their spears planted solemnly in the ground.
—Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2023
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“Centurion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/centurion. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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