decemvir

noun

de·​cem·​vir di-ˈsem-vər How to pronounce decemvir (audio)
: one of a ruling body of 10
specifically : one of a body of 10 magistrates in ancient Rome
decemviral adjective
decemvirate noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, back-formation from decemviri, plural, from decem + viri, plural of vir man — more at virile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decemvir was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near decemvir

Cite this Entry

“Decemvir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decemvir. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!