decussis

A New Latin Dictionary by Charlton T. Lewis Ph.D. and Charles Short, LL. D.

dĕcussis, is (also decus, i, a mutilated form used by the Agrimensores, p. 231, 243, and 265, ed. Goes.), m. [decem-as].

I The number ten : ex singularibus rebus, quae μονάδες apud Graecos dicuntur perficitur decussis, Vitr. 3, 1 (cf. the art. as, no. I.).—Hence, * decussis sexis, or in one word, dĕcussissexis , the number sixteen , Vitr. 3, 1, 8.—

B Because the Roman numeral sign for ten was X, decussis was used to denote the intersection of two lines in the form of a cross : regula figitur in primo decussis puncto, Vitr. 10, 11; Plin. 18, 34, 77, § 331. Cf. decusso and its derivatives.—

II (Acc. to as, no. II.) Ten asses; as a Roman coin, a ten-as piece , Varr. L. L. 5, § 170; Lucil. ib. 9, § 81 Müll.; Stat. S. 4, 9, 9; Fest. p. 237, 20 Müll.