Adjacent Words

Decemvir definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

DEC'EMVIR, n. [L. decem, ten, and vir, a man.] One of ten magistrates, who had absolute authority in ancient Rome.

Merriam Webster's

noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, back-formation from decemviri, plural, from decem + viri, plural of vir man — more at virile Date: 15th century one of a ruling body of 10; specifically one of a body of 10 magistrates in ancient Rome • decemviral adjective • decemvirate noun

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Decemvir De*cem"vir, n.; pl. E. Decemvirs, L. Decemviri. [L., fr. decem ten + vir a man.] 1. One of a body of ten magistrates in ancient Rome. Note: The title of decemvirs was given to various bodies of Roman magistrates. The most celebrated decemvirs framed ``the laws of the Twelve Tables,'' about 450 B. C., and had absolute authority for three years. 2. A member of any body of ten men in authority.