Quintus Fabius Maximus Cunctator (
160 BC -
203 BC) was a
Roman general and
statesman. His nickname "Cunctator" (akin to the
English noun cunctation) means "delayer" in
Latin, and refers to his indecision in deploying the troops during the
Carthaginian invasion led by
Hannibal. His overcautiousness gives rise to the
noun phrase "Fabian policy."
See also: Second Punic War, dictator