praetor
Americannoun
noun
Other Word 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
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Ancient Rome - Middle School and High School
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Chapter 11: Rome: Republic to Empire
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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.
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 • May 24, 2023
During the next 20 years, Caesar climbed nimbly up the Roman ladder of state offices�quaestor, aedile, praetor, consul.
From Time Magazine Archive
The praetor handed the woman his sword and asked her to sheathe it while he moved the scabbard.
From Time Magazine Archive
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 "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli
‘Not if we’re acting on direct orders from our praetor. And Reyna is still praetor.’
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
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.
