quaestor

American  

[kwes-ter, kwee-ster] / ˈkwɛs tər, ˈkwi stər /

Or questor

noun

Roman History.

1. one of two subordinates of the consuls serving as public prosecutors in certain criminal cases.

2. (later) one of the public magistrates in charge of the state funds, as treasury officers or those attached to the consuls and provincial governors.

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quaestor British  

/ ˈkwɛstə, -tɔː, ˈkwiːstə, kwɛˈstɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. any of several magistrates of ancient Rome, usually a financial administrator

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Other Word Forms

• quaestorial adjective
• quaestorship noun

Etymology

Origin of quaestor

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English questor, from Latin quaestor, equivalent to quaes-, base of quaerere “to seek” + -tor noun suffix; -tor

Example Sentences

When he returned from his first political posting, as quaestor in Sicily, for instance, he imagined his fame would have spread far and wide.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Quintus Cassius Longinus, the brother or cousin of the murderer of Caesar, quaestor of Pompey in Further Spain in 54 b.c.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 4 "Carnegie Andrew" to "Casus Belli" by Various

On his return he became quaestor, and showed so much zeal and integrity in the management of the public accounts that he obtained a provincial appointment in Asia, where he strengthened his reputation.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various

The principal verb is indagavi, with subject ego quaestor, and object sepulcrum.

From Helps to Latin Translation at Sight by Luce, Edmund

But the Parthians were slow in following up their advantage and Crassus’ quaestor, Cassius Longinus, was able to hold Syria.

From A History of Rome to 565 A. D. by Boak, Arthur Edward Romilly

Related Words

• officer