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praetorianism

[ pree-tawr-ee-uh-niz-uhm, -tohr- ]

noun

  1. the control of a society by force or fraud, especially when exercised through titular officials and by a powerful minority.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of praetorianism1

First recorded in 1865–70; praetorian + -ism
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Example Sentences

The evil fame of the Italian cohorts has survived in the phrase “praetorianism” used to imply a venal military despotism.

If an autocracy does not rest on the army, which leads to the chaos of praetorianism, it must rely on 'panem et circenses.'

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Praetorian Guardpraetorium