decemvir

1 of 2

noun (1)

de·​cem·​vir di-ˈsem-vər 

: one of a ruling body of 10

specifically : one of a body of 10 magistrates in ancient Rome

decemviral

di-ˈsem-vər-əl 

adjective

decemvirate

di-ˈsem-vər-ət 

noun

decemvirate

2 of 2

noun (2)

de·​cem·​vi·​rate di-ˈsem-vər-ət 

-ˌāt

plural -s

1

: the office or government of decemvirs

2

: a body of decemvirs

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Latin, back-formation from decemviri, plural, from decem + viri, plural of vir man — more at virile

Noun (2)

Latin decemviratus, from decemviri + -atus -ate

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above