triumvir

American  

[trahy-uhm-ver] / traɪˈʌm vər /

noun

plural

triumvirs, triumviri

1. Roman History. one of three officers or magistrates mutually exercising the same public function.

2. one of three persons associated in any office or position of authority.

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triumvir British  

/ traɪˈʌmvə /

noun

1. (esp in ancient Rome) a member of a triumvirate

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Other Word Forms

• triumviral adjective

Etymology

Origin of triumvir

1570–80; < Latin: literally, one man of three, back formation from trium virōrum of three men

Example Sentences

A true Southerner by birth . . . a veritable triumvir among the Tarheels .

From Time Magazine Archive

The triumvir, in his joy, paid it some ten times over.

From Cicero Ancient Classics for English Readers by Collins, W. Lucas (William Lucas)

Mazzini, 376; letter to Carlo Alberto, 379-382; triumvir in Rome, 391-394, 398; death, 413.

From A Short History of Italy (476-1900) by Sedgwick, Henry Dwight

Before Cicero spoke, it had been pleaded by Hortensius, and Crassus the triumvir; and Cicero, in engaging in the cause, felt the utmost desire to surpass these rivals of his eloquence.

From History of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Volume II by Dunlop, John

To win support in Rome, Antony wrote to the Senate offering to surrender his powers as triumvir and restore the old constitution.

From A History of Rome to 565 A. D. by Boak, Arthur Edward Romilly