praetor

or pre·tor

[ pree-ter ]

noun

1. (in the ancient Roman republic) one of a number of elected magistrates charged chiefly with the administration of civil justice and ranking next below a consul.

praetor

/ ˈpriːtə; -tɔː /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) any of several senior magistrates ranking just below the consuls

Derived Forms

• ˈpraetorship, noun
• praeˈtorial, adjective

Other Words From

• prae·to·ri·al [pree-, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of praetor¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of praetor¹

C15: from Latin: one who leads the way, probably from praeīre, from prae- before + īre to go

Example Sentences

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

Congress has given authority over prescription medicines to the executive branch, not some Panhandle praetor.

From Washington Post

Having been praetor back at Camp Jupiter, he was probably used to that; but Leo could tell his friend was stressed.

From Literature

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 Literature

She saw two giants in gladiator armor sitting on oversized praetors’ chairs.

From Literature