praetorium

American  

[pree-tawr-ee-uhm] / priˈtɔr i əm /

Sometimes pretorium

noun

1. Roman History.

   1. Usually Praetorium the palace of a provincial governor or of the consul or emperor.

   2. Often Praetorium the tent or building occupied by the general or commanding officer in a military camp.

2. a large, imposing official building or residence.

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Etymology

Origin of praetorium

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin, equivalent to praetor ( def. ) + -ium ( def. )

Example Sentences

Questions about the location stem from various interpretations of the Gospels, which describe how Jesus of Nazareth was brought before Pilate in the "praetorium," a Latin term for a general's tent within a Roman encampment.

From Chicago Tribune • Jan. 4, 2015

Some say Pilate's praetorium would have been in the military barracks, others say the Roman general would probably have been a guest in the palace built by Herod.

From Chicago Tribune • Jan. 4, 2015

And it is at least equally probable that the word "praetorium" simply means the barrack of that detachment of Roman soldiers from which Paul's gaolers were taken in turn.

From Seekers after God by Farrar, F. W. (Frederic William)

Forcing his way through the crowd of tribunes and officers who thronged the praetorium, he had found Fabius seated before his tent, and had told his story in the fewest words possible.

From The Lion's Brood by Osborne, Duffield

Here, then, let us take our stand, on this tumulus, exhibiting the foundation of ruined buildings,—the central point—the praetorium, doubtless, of the camp.

From The Antiquary — Volume 01 by Scott, Walter, Sir