Parazonium
Parazonium, s. Dagger. In ancient Rome, the dagger was often considered a symbol of authority, e.g., for the emperor, the praefectus praetorio, the military commanders, etc., as a sign of power over life and death. The tribuni militum wore the parazonium on their belt (cingulum militare), usually only as a mark of distinction.
Source: Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon, 6. Auflage 1905–1909