In the text Commentariolum Petitionis (Handbook of Electioneering), Quintus Tullius Cicero includes Gaius Orcivius (often spelled Orchivius) as part of a group of men described collectively with the Latin phrase hominum ad ambitionem gratiosissimorum. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Phrase Breakdown

• Latin: hominum ad ambitionem gratiosissimorum
• English Translation: "men highly influential for political campaigning" or "men of the greatest importance for the success of your campaign." [1, 2, 3, 4]

Context of the Description

In section 19 of his handbook, Quintus is advising his brother, the famous orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, on how to win the consular election. He reminds Marcus of the key political clubs (sodalitates) and influential figures who owe him a favor because Marcus previously defended them in court. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The full sentence reads:

"Nam hoc biennio quattuor sodalitates hominum ad ambitionem gratiosissimorum tibi obligasti, C. Fundani, Q. Galli, C. Corneli, C. Orchivi..." [1, 2]

"For within these two years you have put under obligation to yourself four political clubs of men most influential for electioneering—those of Gaius Fundanius, Quintus Gallius, Gaius Cornelius, and Gaius Orcivius..." [1, 2]

If you are researching a different Roman text or a specific grammatical joke (such as Marcus Cicero's phonetic mention of Orcivius in his work Orator), please let me know so I can find the precise phrasing you need! [1]

L'AI può commettere errori, quindi verifica le risposte 

gratiotissinum ad ambitionem—?

Yes, you have the exact phrase! In the original Latin text, the words appear as hominum ad ambitionem gratiosissimorum. [1]

When matched closer to your exact phrasing, the grammatical breakdown explains how the words fit together:

Grammatical Breakdown

• gratiosissimorum (the plural form of gratiosissimum that you typed): This is the superlative form of gratiosus. It translates to "most influential," "most popular," or "most highly favored."
• ad ambitionem: This means "for political campaigning," "for electioneering," or "for winning office."
• hominum: This means "of men." [1]

How it Fits the Quote

Quintus Cicero uses the genitive plural form because he is describing the political clubs (sodalitates): [1, 2]

"...quattuor sodalitates hominum ad ambitionem gratiosissimorum..." [1]

This literally translates to: "...four political clubs of men who are most influential for electioneering..."Gaius Orcivius is explicitly named as the leader of one of these vital four groups. [1]

Are you analyzing this specific sentence for a translation class, or would you like to explore how these political clubs (sodalitates) functioned in ancient Rome? [1, 2]

but no implication of most susceptible to flattery?

No, there is absolutely no implication of being "susceptible to flattery" in this phrase. [1, 2, 3]

In classical Latin, gratiosus does not mean "full of grace" in a weak or gullible sense. Instead, it is an active political term. [1, 2, 3]

The Real Meaning of Gratiosus

• Active Influence: It means possessing widespread personal influence, being popular with the masses, and having a deep network of people who owe you favors. [1, 2]
• Political Capital: When Quintus describes Orcivius and the others as gratiosissimorum ad ambitionem, he is calling them political power-brokers. They are men who are "super-effective" at delivering votes and managing campaigns. [1]

Why the Misconception Happens

Because gratiosus shares a root with gratia (grace/favor), it is sometimes mistranslated by modern readers to mean someone who wants to find favor, or someone who is overly accommodating and easily swayed by smooth talk. However, in the context of Roman elections, a homo gratiosus is a heavy hitter—someone who wields favor and commands a loyal following, not someone who falls victim to flattery. [1, 2]

Would you like to look at the specific lines before or after this quote to see how Quintus advises Marcus to actually handle these powerful men?

because wiki entry for gens has it -/ source?

The Wikipedia entry for the Orcivia gens draws its historical context regarding Gaius Orcivius from Napoleon III’s History of Julius Caesar. The source text clarifies that the phrase "sensible to flattery" refers to Marcus Cicero, while identifying Gaius Orcivius as a political leader influential in elections. The relevant source text can be viewed at Project Gutenberg. [1, 2]