1. The office or position of an ephor (a magistrate in ancient Sparta or other Greek city-states).
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to the specific institution in Sparta
2. The term of office or period of service of an ephor.
Usage: historical
3. The body or group of ephors collectively; the office or authority exercised by ephors.
Usage: historical

Examples

• The ephorate in ancient Sparta held significant executive and judicial power.
• During his ephorate, the magistrate implemented several reforms to the city's laws.
• The ephorate served as a check on the power of the Spartan kings.
• Historical records describe the ephorate as one of the most influential institutions in classical Greece.
• Members of the ephorate were elected annually by the Spartan assembly.