prytany

noun

pryt·​a·​ny

-ᵊnē

plural -es

1

: the presidential office of the Athenian senate held successively during the year by each of the ten sections into which the senate was divided

2

: one of the ten divisions of the Athenian senate during its presidency

3

: the period during which a section of the senate held the office of president

Word History

Etymology

Greek prytaneia, from prytanis + -eia -y

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now