decuman

[ dek-yoo-muhn ]

adjective

1. large or immense, as a wave.
2. (in ancient Rome) of or relating to the tenth cohort of a legion.

noun

1. Also called decuman gate. (in ancient Rome) the main gate of a military camp, facing away from the enemy and near which the tenth cohort of the legion was usually stationed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of decuman¹

1650–60; < Latin decumānus, decimānus of the tenth, large, equivalent to decim ( us ) tenth ( decimate ) + -ānus -an

Example Sentences

These three Decuman streets are the arteries of ancient Naples.

From Project Gutenberg

Without halting, they rush toward the Decuman gate, and attempt to enter the camp.

From Project Gutenberg

Its church, St Decuman's, on the way to Williton, is interesting.

From Project Gutenberg