praetorian
[ pree-tawr-ee-uh n, -tohr- ]
/ priˈtɔr i ən, -ˈtoʊr- /
adjective
of or relating to a praetor.
(often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to the Praetorian Guard.
noun
a person having the rank of praetor or ex-praetor.
(often initial capital letter) a soldier of the Praetorian Guard.
RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
praesidium, praeter-, praetexta, praetor, praetorial, praetorian, praetorian guard, praetorianism, praetorians, praetorius, praetorius, michael
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for praetorian
British Dictionary definitions for praetorian (1 of 2)
praetorian
pretorian
/ (priːˈtɔːrɪən) /
adjective
of or relating to a praetor
noun
a person holding praetorian rank; a praetor or ex-praetor
British Dictionary definitions for praetorian (2 of 2)
Praetorian
Pretorian
/ (priːˈtɔːrɪən) /
adjective
of or relating to the Praetorian Guard
(sometimes not capital) resembling the Praetorian Guard, esp with regard to corruption
noun
a member of the Praetorian Guard
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for praetorian
Praetorian
early 15c., from Latin praetorianus "belonging to a praetor," from praetor (see praetor). Praetorian Guard is from cohors praetoria, the bodyguard troop of a Roman commander or emperor. Hence modern figurative use for "defenders of an existing order."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper