Decemvirs

/dɛˈsɛmˌvɪrz/ noun

Definition

English plural of decemvir; the ten officials or magistrates in ancient Rome.

Etymology

From Latin decemvir, anglicized with the English plural suffix -s instead of the Latin -i or -ii.

Kelly Says

Historians love debating whether the decemvirs were visionary lawmakers or dangerous tyrants—different ancient sources tell opposite stories, which means we're probably still getting the truth somewhere in the middle.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

English plural of decemvir; modernized form still carrying the masculine-coded governance associations of the Latin original.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'decemvirs' only when discussing historical Roman magistrates. For contemporary governance boards, prefer 'magistrates', 'council members', or 'board members'.

Inclusive Alternatives

["magistrates","council members","board members"]

Related Words

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