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

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

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

Tunica Coccinia solebat pridie quam dimicandum esset, supra praetorium poni, quasi admonito, & indicium futurae pugnae.

From Hudibras by Butler, Samuel

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

Here, among the soldiers, discontent with the dictator's policy was as strong as it had been in the praetorium, while its expression was less governed by the amenities of rank.

From The Lion's Brood by Osborne, Duffield