decemvirate

American  

[dih-sem-ver-it, -vuh-reyt] / dɪˈsɛm vər ɪt, -vəˌreɪt /

noun

1. a board or group of decemvirs.

2. the office or government of decemvirs.

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decemvirate British  

/ -ˌreɪt, dɪˈsɛmvɪrɪt /

noun

1. a board of decemvirs

2. the rule or rank of decemvirs

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Etymology

Origin of decemvirate

From the Latin word decemvirātus, dating back to 1610–20. See decemvir, -ate ³

Example Sentences

In creating the decemvirate, therefore, both the senate and the people made grave mistakes.

From Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius by Thomson, Ninian Hill

The five that had already fallen when John received the vision were the regal power, the consular, the decemvirate, the military tribunes, and the triumvirate.

From The Last Reformation by Smith, F. G. (Frederick George)

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 Kennedy, Charles Rann

The decemvirate, one of the triumphs of the plebs, could hardly have been abolished by that body, but would naturally have been overthrown by the patricians.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 4 "Cincinnatus" to "Cleruchy" by Various

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 Thomson, Ninian Hill