Plural of ephor; chief magistrates, overseers, or administrators in ancient Greek city-states, particularly the five senior officials of Sparta.
Greek plural of ephoros, from ephoran 'to oversee.'
Spartan ephors could declare war independently, control the treasury, and enforce laws—yet they answered to the citizens in a public review at the end of their term.
English plural of ephor; refers to exclusively male magistrates in ancient Greek city-states, particularly Sparta.
Use in historical contexts with explicit note that ephors were male officials. Modern governance: use 'magistrates,' 'officials,' or 'overseers.'
["magistrates","officials","overseers"]
Women in Sparta and other ancient Greek states had no formal governance role; historical precision serves better than false inclusion.
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