decemvir, decemviral, decemvirate In Roman history, a body of ten men acting as a commission, council, college, or ruling authority; especially, the two bodies of magistrates appointed in 451 and 450 B.C. to draw up a code of laws (The Laws of Twelve Tables) who were, during the time, entrusted with the supreme government of Rome. 2. A council or r... Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/2303/