1. The office, position, or term of a decemvir (one of ten magistrates or rulers in ancient Rome).
Usage: historical; plural form; singular is decemvirate
2. A body or board of ten officials or administrators.
Usage: historical; formal

Examples

• The decemvirates of ancient Rome held significant legislative and judicial power.
• During the early Republic, the decemvirates were responsible for drafting the Twelve Tables.
• The decemvirates served as a transitional form of government between the monarchy and the consulate.
• Historians debate the extent of authority granted to the various decemvirates throughout Roman history.