n.bundle of rods containing an axe with the blade protruding; in ancient Rome it was a symbol of a magistrate's power; in modern Italy it is a symbol of fascism
N-PLURAL
(in ancient Rome) one or more bundles of rods containing an axe with its blade protruding; a symbol of a magistrate's power (古罗马)法西斯; 中间插着一把斧头的束棒，斧头刀刃向外；象征着古罗马行政官员的权威
Both regimes, of course, were as thoroughly collectivist as the fasces symbol implies: men were lashed together, bound by the state into a common purpose, with the threating blade to keep them in line.