in Grecian antiquity, magistrates established in ancient Sparta to balance the regal power. The authority of the ephori was very great. They sometimes expelled and even put to death the kings, and abolished or suspended the power of the other magistrates, calling them to account at pleasure. There were five of them, others say nine. They presided in the public shows and festivals. They were entrusted with the public treasure; made war and peace; and were so absolute, that Aristotle makes their government equal to the prerogative of a monarchy. They were established by Lycurgus, according to the generality of authors: though this is denied by others, who date their origin 130 years after the time of that legislator. Thus Plutarch, in his Life of Cleomenes, ascribes their institution to Theopompus king of Sparta; which is also confirmed by the authority of Aristotle.