praetor

or pre·tor

[ pree-ter ]

noun

1. (in the ancient Roman republic) one of a number of elected magistrates charged chiefly with the administration of civil justice and ranking next below a consul.

praetor

/ ˈpriːtə; -tɔː /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) any of several senior magistrates ranking just below the consuls

Derived Forms

• ˈpraetorship, noun
• praeˈtorial, adjective

Other Words From

• prae·to·ri·al [pree-, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of praetor¹

1375–1425; late Middle English pretor < Latin praetor, for *praeitor leader, literally, one going before, equivalent to *praei-, variant stem of praeīre to go before, lead ( prae- prae- + -i-, base of īre to go) + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of praetor¹

C15: from Latin: one who leads the way, probably from praeīre, from prae- before + īre to go

Example Sentences

The remaining senators renounced all expression of opinion, and the praetor proceeded to collect the votes by a show of hands.

From Project Gutenberg

And a special magistrate, the praetor peregrinus, was nominated for the administration of that law.

From Project Gutenberg

Victo Pompeio Brutus a Caesare servatus est et praetor etiam factus.

From Project Gutenberg

Vict Pompi Brtus Caesare servtus est et praetor etiam10 factus.

From Project Gutenberg

In their last distress, a pious fiction of the approach of the praetor of Corinth revived the courage of the citizens.

From Project Gutenberg