Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
(Mark 6:27). Instead of the Greek word, Mark here uses a Latin word, speculator, which literally means “a scout,” “a spy,” and at length came to denote one of the armed bodyguard of the emperor. Herod Antipas, in imitation of the emperor, had in attendance on him a company of speculatores. They were sometimes employed as executioners, but this was a mere accident of their office.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
The post of executioner was one of high dignity. ” (Genesis 37:36) see margin.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
T. times the post was honorable. The executioner of Mark 6:27 belonged to the king's body-guard.