triumvirate

 
Pronunciation: /trʌɪˈʌmvɪrət/

noun

  • 1(in ancient Rome) a group of three men holding power, in particular ( the First Triumvirate) the unofficial coalition of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus in 60 bc and ( the Second Triumvirate) a coalition formed by Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian in 43 bc.
  • a group of three powerful or notable people or things: a triumvirate of three executive vice-presidents
  • 2the office of triumvir in ancient Rome.

Origin:

late 16th century: from Latin triumviratus, from triumvir (see triumvir)