praetor

American  

[pree-ter] / ˈpri tər /

Or pretor

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.

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praetor British  

/ ˈpriːtə, -tɔː /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• praetorial adjective
• praetorship noun

Etymology

Origin of praetor

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

Example Sentences

While fans of the show view the ruthless Roman praetor as “the villain they love to hate,” the actor says Quintus sees a different man in the mirror.

From Washington Times

The campers spoke with reverence about the son of Jupiter who’d risen from the lowly ranks of the Fifth Cohort to become praetor, led them to victory in the Battle of Mount Tam, then disappeared.

From Literature

Yet he joined to his wickedness such strength of mind and body, that when he entered upon a military career, he rose through the ranks to become praetor of Syracuse.

From Literature

Even the Romans had raised him on a shield and made him praetor, and he’d only known them for a couple of weeks.

From Literature

“An apology? Not very Roman at all, Percy Jackson. You’d make an interesting praetor. I hope you’ll think about my offer.”

From Literature