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

See Examples For:

decemvirate

But they soon threw off the mask of moderation, and, regardless of the approbation of the senate or the people, resolved to continue, against all order, in the decemvirate.

From Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by Pinnock, William

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

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)

Jacobs understands the word decemvirate not to refer to any positive form of government, but generally to designate a tyranny, such as that which the Lacedaemonians used to introduce into conquered cities.

From The Olynthiacs and the Phillippics of Demosthenes Literally translated with notes by Kennedy, Charles Rann

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 Morris, Charles