decemvir

[ dih-sem-ver ]

noun

, plural de·cem·virs, de·cem·vi·ri [dih-, sem, -v, uh, -rahy].

1. a member of a permanent board or a special commission of ten members in ancient Rome, especially the commission that drew up Rome's first code of law.
2. a member of any council or ruling body of ten.

decemvir

/ dɪˈsɛmvə /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a member of a board of ten magistrates, esp either of the two commissions established in 451 and 450 bc to revise the laws
2. a member of any governing body composed of ten men

Derived Forms

• deˈcemviral, adjective

Other Words From

• de·cemvi·ral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decemvir¹

1570–80; < Latin, originally plural decemvirī, equivalent to decem ten + virī men

Word History and Origins

Origin of decemvir¹

C17: from Latin, from decem ten + virī men

Example Sentences

Whilst appearing to favour Pompey, it deprived him, on account of his absence, of the chance of being chosen decemvir.

From Project Gutenberg

There was the keen, eagle face of the infamous Decemvir, the persecutor of Virginia—a villain, but a daring and imperious villain.

From Project Gutenberg

The Decemvir generals tried to stop them, but they only answered, "We are men with swords in our hands."

From Project Gutenberg

Claudius, the instrument of Appius the decemvir for entrapping Virginia.

From Project Gutenberg

It is of no consequence who inhabits the palace—a king, a tribune, an emperor, or a decemvir.

From Project Gutenberg