decemvirate
Americannoun
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a board or group of decemvirs.
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the office or government of decemvirs.
noun
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a board of decemvirs
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the rule or rank of decemvirs
Etymology
Origin of decemvirate
From the Latin word decemvirātus, dating back to 1610–20. See decemvir, -ate 3
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In this matter of the decemvirate we may likewise note the ease wherewith men become corrupted, and how completely, although born good and well brought up, they change their nature.
From Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius by Ninian Hill Thomson
When the second year of the decemvirate expired, Appius and his colleagues, knowing that they could not be elected again, showed no intention of yielding up their authority.
From Historic Tales, Volume 11 (of 15) The Romance of Reality by Charles Morris
When, on the appointment of the decemvirate, it seemed to the commons that Appius had become favourable to their cause, and was ready to attack the nobles, they inclined to support him.
From Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius by Ninian Hill Thomson
Another thing which greatly hurts a government is to keep alive bitter feelings in men's minds by often renewed attacks on individuals, as was done in Rome after the decemvirate was put an end to.
From Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius by Ninian Hill Thomson
So, for example, the Romans might have spoken of a decemvirate after the time of Appius.
From The Olynthiacs and the Phillippics of Demosthenes Literally translated with notes by Charles Rann Kennedy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
