septemvir

[sep-tem-ver]

noun

plural

septemvirs, septemviri 

1. a member of a seven-man ruling body in ancient Rome.

Word History and Origins

Origin of septemvir¹

1750–60; singular of Latin septemvirī, equivalent to septem seven + virī, plural of vir man

Example Sentences

Septemvir, sep-tem′vir, n. one of a board of seven men associated for certain duties.—n.

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Septem′virate, the office of septemvir.

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The four chief religious corporations of ancient Rome, mentioned in the Century Dictionary, evidently correspond to this fourfold division and it is specially stated of one of these corporations that it was represented and governed by a group consisting of seven “septemvir epulones” who formed a “septemvirate.”

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Among the interesting acquaintances which he formed at Augsburg, were two brothers, John and Paul Hainzel, the one a septemvir, and the other the consul or burgomaster.

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I would pass my barrister's exams, with distinction; would serve my time under a sheriff; would court the acquaintance of great men of distinction; would win their favor by my gentle, humble conduct; I would be ready to serve; any work intrusted to me I would punctually perform; would not mix in evil company; would make my talent shine; would write odes of encomium, panegyrics, on occasions of note; till finally, I should myself, like my uncle, become "secretarius," "assessor," "septemvir," and "consiliarius."

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