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

Other Word Forms

• praetorship noun
• praetorial 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

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.

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Congress has given authority over prescription medicines to the executive branch, not some Panhandle praetor.

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The edge of his toga was lined with the crimson of a senator or a praetor, but the stripe rippled like a river of blood.

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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.

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“Alone. If you don’t mind, my fellow praetor.”

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