Definition:Decimate
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Definition
To decimate means to reduce in size by $\dfrac 1 {10}$.
Also defined as
The meaning of decimate has evolved in recent years to mean to to reduce to $\dfrac 1 {10}$ of the size.
Historical Note
The origin of the word decimate dates from the time of the Roman empire.
On occasion, the troops were judged to have acquitted themselves in battle inadequately, in particular showing cowardice.
When this happened, they were lined up, and every $10$th man was picked out for summary execution.
This procedure was known as decimation.
Sources
- 1992: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Puzzles ... (previous) ... (next): The Josephus Problem