1. A governing body or office held by ten men, especially the board of ten magistrates in ancient Rome.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to the Roman institution

Examples

• The decemvirate in ancient Rome was established to codify and reform the legal system.
• Members of the decemvirate held significant power over legislative and judicial matters.
• The first decemvirate produced the Twelve Tables, a foundational legal document.
• Historians debate the extent of the decemvirate's authority during its tenure.
• The decemvirate eventually gave way to the traditional consulship and other offices.