decan

[ dek-uhn ]

noun

, Astrology.

1. any of three divisions of 10° within a sign of the zodiac.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decan¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin decānus chief of ten; dean

Example Sentences

A third of a sign, a "decan," was 10 degrees of longitude, corresponding to the "week" of ten days used in Egypt and in Greece.

From Project Gutenberg

In this country, in the kingdom of Adel Khan, and in the Decan, those diamonds are found which are called of the old water.

From Project Gutenberg

They bring it made into powder in tubes of cane; and it is worth a great deal in Narsinga, Malabar, and Decan.

From Project Gutenberg

These diamonds are gathered in the first India in a kingdom of Moors called Decan, and they carry them thence to all parts.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus there are at present four English renegadoes in the Decan, besides many Portuguese.

From Project Gutenberg