duumvirate

[ doo-uhm-ver-it, dyoo- ]

noun

1. a coalition of two persons holding the same office, as in ancient Rome.
2. the office or government of two such persons.

duumvirate

/ djuːˈʌmvɪrɪt /

noun

1. the office of or government by duumvirs

Word History and Origins

Origin of duumvirate¹

From the Latin word duumvirātus, dating back to 1650–60. See duumvir, -ate ³

Example Sentences

When the All Blacks’ coaching triumvirate of Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith replaced the Mitchell-Deans duumvirate in 2004 they worked on improving the team’s set-pieces, but they retained counter-attack.

From The Guardian

Of what did the duumvirate of digital videos discuss?

From Slate

The only authority figure above them in the film is Snoke, who’s present only as a hologram; for the bulk of the film Hux and Kylo Ren are the duumvirate directing the First Order’s activities, and they do so with relish.

From Salon

That's why I still think the coalition will stagger on to the designated election day , 7 May 2015, under its present Cameron/Clegg duumvirate.

From The Guardian

It was coined at the height of the euro crisis last year to mock a duumvirate that had become exclusive, dictatorial and sometimes comical in the way a weakened Mr Sarkozy pretended to be the equal of the powerful German chancellor.

From Economist