DECEMVIR

Etymology

Noun

decemvir (plural decemvirs or decemviri)

(historical) Any of two groups of 10 men selected in 451 and 450 B.C. to wield complete power over Rome and establish the laws of the Twelve Tables.

Any member of a decemvirate, a council or ruling body of 10 people, as the Venetian Council of Ten.

Source: Wiktionary


De*cem"vir, n.; pl. E. Decemvirs, L. Decemviri. Etym: [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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

2 November 2024

FRUMP

(noun) a dull unattractive unpleasant girl or woman; “she got a reputation as a frump”; “she’s a real dog”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be “dancing” after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. That’s how the first coffee drink was born.

coffee icon