praetor
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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
Explanation
In ancient Rome, a government authority who served under a consul was called a praetor. Among other powers, praetors commanded military forces and acted as judges. A praetor was an elected magistrate who held legal power in ancient Rome, serving under the authority of consuls. The praetor urbanus was a city judge who heard cases between urban citizens, while a praetor peregrinus oversaw trials involving foreigners. Everyone who held this position was also a member of the senate, and some praetors led military troops as well. In Latin, the word praetor means "one who goes before."
Vocabulary lists containing praetor
The Son of Neptune
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Ancient Rome - Middle School and High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Chapter 11: Rome: Republic to Empire
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They include Textron's Cessna Citation Longitude which entered service in 2019, and Embraer's Praetor jets which are longer-range variants of the Brazilian planemaker's mid-sized Legacy line.
From Reuters • Sep. 13, 2021
“Also, by order of Praetor Reyna, to promote you to the rank of centurion.”
From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan
‘None of us are safe these days, Praetor, so I really must go. Good hunting!’
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Verres, late Praetor in Sicily, was charged with high crimes and misdemeanours in his government.
From Cicero Ancient Classics for English Readers by Collins, W. Lucas (William Lucas)
At the upper end of the Forum, under the Capitoline Hill, was the Comitium, adorned with fresco paintings, and covered with numerous statues surrounding the tribunals of the Praetor Urbanus.
From Jovinian A Story of the Early Days of Papal Rome by Kingston, William Henry Giles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
