Also in Gr. form thesmothetes, pl. -thetæ. [ad. Gr. θεσμοθέτης, pl. -θέται (see def.), f. θεσμός law + -θετης, forming agent-nouns from root θε- to place, lay down.] Each of the six inferior archons in ancient Athens, who were judges and law-givers; hence transf. one who lays down the law.
1603. Holland, Plutarch, Explan. Words, Thesmothetæ, were six of the nine Archontes or chiefe rulers in Athens during their free popular estate.
1727. Bailey, vol. II., Thesmothete, a Law-giver.
1819. H. Busk, Tea, 18. Without thee thesmothetes their laws enacted.
1874. T. Hardy, Far fr. Madding Crowd, x. Then this small thesmothete stepped from the table, and surged out of the hall.
