Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Decurio

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

DECU'RIO. A commander of ten men in a cavalry regiment, three of whom were appointed to each turma, or troop of thirty men; but the one who was first appointed out of the three held the rank of senior captain, and had the command over the whole troop. Festus, s. v. Varro, L. L. v. 91. Veget. Mil. ii. 14.

2. A senator in any of the municipal towns or colonies, who held a corresponding rank, and discharged similar functions in his own town to what the senators did at Rome. Cic. Sext. 4. Manut. ad Cic. Fam. vi. 18.

3. Under the empire, an officer attached to the imperial palace, somewhat in the nature of a high chamberlain, was styled Decurio cubiculariorum. Suet. Dom. 17.