1. A commander of a group of ten soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
Usage: historical; Roman military term
2. A member of a town council or municipal governing body in ancient Rome.
Usage: historical; Roman civic term

Examples

• The decurion led his squad of ten legionaries across the battlefield.
• Each decurion reported directly to the centurion commanding the larger unit.
• In Roman towns, decurions formed the local aristocracy and managed civic affairs.
• The decurion was responsible for the discipline and training of his men.
• Wealthy citizens often served as decurions on the municipal council.