The spelling of "Quindecemvirate" may seem daunting, but it's easier to understand with the help of IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as "kwin-deh-sehm-vuh-reyt" and is a noun referring to a board of fifteen officials in ancient Rome. It is composed of the prefix "quindecem" meaning fifteen, the root "vir" meaning man or person, and the suffix "-ate" meaning a group or board. With its complex spelling and pedigree, "Quindecemvirate" remains a fascinating and impressive word in the English language.
Quindecemvirate is a noun that refers to a group or council made up of fifteen members. It combines the Latin roots "quinque" meaning "five" and "decem" meaning "ten," with "virate" indicating a governing body or authority. This word has origins in ancient Rome where the term was commonly used to describe various committees, councils, or groups established to fulfill specific functions or responsibilities.
In ancient Roman society, the quindecemvirate could take on different roles depending on the context. For example, the most well-known quindecemvirate was the quindecemviri sacris faciundis, a religious council responsible for the oversight of Sibylline books, religious rituals, and oracles. This council played a significant role in religious matters and interpreting divine messages to guide Roman society.
Outside of religious functions, the term quindecemvirate was also used to describe other councils that served different purposes. For instance, there were quindecemviri stlitibus judicandis who acted as judges in certain legal cases. Additionally, a quindecemvirate could be formed for administrative purposes in different areas of government or public affairs.
In contemporary usage, the term quindecemvirate is less commonly employed, but it still maintains its historical definition. It is often used in historical or academic contexts to refer to similar groups of fifteen members found in ancient Rome or analogous formations found in other civilizations.
The body of fifteen priests, or their office.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Quindecemvirate" derives from Latin. It is a combination of two Latin words: "quindecim", meaning "fifteen", and "vir", meaning "man".
In ancient Rome, a "quindecemvirate" referred to a board or group of fifteen men who were appointed to perform specific duties or hold certain offices. The most famous example is the "Quindecemviri Sacris Faciundis", a board of fifteen priests responsible for overseeing religious rites and the Sibylline Books.
The term "Quindecemvirate" has since been used more broadly to refer to any group or committee consisting of fifteen members.