fascio
/ˈfaʃəʊ/Now historical
noun
In Italy: an organized political group, typically advocating radical or revolutionary change and active within a particular region or locality; specifically any of a number of nationalist groups formed in the period around the First World War (1914–18) which were ultimately given coherent organization by the formation of the National Fascist Party in 1921. Usually in plural in form fasci.
- The earliest fasci were democratic or socialist popular movements, most prominently the Fasci siciliani (more fully Fasci siciliani dei lavoratori, ‘Sicilian Workers' League’). Subsequently, political organizations of this kind became associated with nationalist and anti-communist groups, especially those formed and led by Benito Mussolini..
Origin
Late 19th century. From Italian fascio political group, workers' league, ultimately from classical Latin fascis bundle.