These truculent tools of tyranny had been for ten years in the full performance of their flagitious work; but, instead of crushing out the spirit of a brave people-which was their real aim and end-they had only been preparing it for a more determined and effective resistance.
"The White Gauntlet"
Mayne Reid
The Senate, which has so long been expected to applaud with grovelling flattery the most trivial or the most flagitious acts of the emperor, is summoned to a share in the serious work of government.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill
Nowhere in other historians is there a shred of evidence to support the story of Theodora's flagitious life.
"Women of Early Christianity Woman: In all ages and in all countries, Vol. 3 (of 10)"
Alfred Brittain Mitchell Carroll