də̇ˈsemvə(r) noun
( plural decemvirs -və(r)z ; also decemvi·ri -vəˌrī)
Etymology: Latin, back-formation from decemviri, plural, from decem viri ten men, from decem ten + viri, plural of vir man — more at virile
: one of a commission, council, or ruling body of 10 ; specifically : a member of either of two commissions made up of 10 men each who framed the Roman laws of the Twelve Tables and who had absolute power during their term of office