septemvirate

[ sep-tem-ver-it, -vuh-reyt ]
/ sɛpˈtɛm vər ɪt, -vəˌreɪt /

noun (in ancient Rome)

the ruling body of septemvirs.
the office or rule of this body.

Origin of septemvirate

From the Latin word septemvirātus, dating back to 1630–40. See septemvir, -ate3