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

At last some of his troops revolted under the quaestor M. Marcellus, who was proclaimed governor of the province.

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

When quaestor in 137, he accompanied the consul C. Hostilius Mancinus to Spain.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 3 "Gordon, Lord George" to "Grasses" by Various

That he had become a man of some note in that capacity is suggested by the fact that he attracted the attention of the Roman quaestor Cato, and accompanied him to Rome.

From The Roman Poets of the Republic by Sellar, W. Y.

During the reign of Commodus, Dio practised as an advocate at the Roman bar, and held the offices of aedile and quaestor.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

Related Words

• officer