psephism

noun

pse·​phism
ˈsēˌfizəm
variants or less commonly psephisma
sə̇fizmə
plural psephisms
-ˌfizəmz
also psephismas
-ˈfizməz
or psephismata
-ˈfizmətə
: a decree of an ancient popular assembly (as of the ecclesia of Athens)

Word History

Etymology

Greek psēphisma, from psēphizein to count, reckon, cast one's vote with a pebble, from psēphos pebble + -izein -ize

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

Dictionary Entries Near psephism

Cite this Entry

“Psephism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psephism. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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