DECIVS (Publius), the Roman consul, and brave general, memorable for devoting himself for his country, in a battle with the Latins 340 B. C. Decius Mus, his son, followed his father's example, as did a grandson. The custom was, that the officer who devoted himself to the gods for the service of his country, after certain ceremonies of consecration, rushed completely armed into the midst of the enemy's fore-
most ranks, when their own despaired of victory: tho' this was an act of superstition which proved fatal to the hero, it reanimated his party, and occasioned them to gain the battle. See DEVOTION.