duumvir

1 of 2

noun (1)

du·​um·​vir du̇-ˈəm-vər 

also dyu̇-

1

: one of two Roman officers or magistrates constituting a board or court

2

: one of two people jointly holding power

duumvirate

d(y)u̇-ˈəm-və-rət 

noun

duumvirate

2 of 2

noun (2)

du·​um·​vi·​rate -vərə̇t 

-ˌrāt

plural -s

1

: the office or government of the Roman duumvirs

2

: two people associated in high office or position : a coalition of two people

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, from duum (genitive of duo two) + vir man

Noun (2)

Latin duumviratus, from duumvir + -atus -ate

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1