Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Decemvir \De*cem"vir\, n.; pl. E. {Decemvirs}, L. {Decemviri}.
   [L., fr. decem ten + vir a man.]
   1. One of a body of ten magistrates in ancient Rome.

   Note: The title of decemvirs was given to various bodies of
         Roman magistrates. The most celebrated decemvirs framed
         ``the laws of the Twelve Tables,'' about 450 B. C., and
         had absolute authority for three years.

   2. A member of any body of ten men in authority.