Cicero'né

Cicero'né (from Cicero, 'the orator' or 'speaker'), a name given by the Italians to the guides who show travellers the antiquities of the country. Cicerones are to be found of all degrees of knowledge or respectability, from distinguished local archaeologists to the humble laquais de place, who, though quite indispensable on a first arrival, is too often both incompetent and dishonest.