praetorian

[ pree-tawr-ee-uhn, -tohr- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a praetor.
2. (often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to the Praetorian Guard.

noun

1. a person having the rank of praetor or ex-praetor.
2. (often initial capital letter) a soldier of the Praetorian Guard.

praetorian

¹

/ priːˈtɔːrɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to a praetor

noun

1. a person holding praetorian rank; a praetor or ex-praetor

Praetorian

²

/ priːˈtɔːrɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Praetorian Guard
2. sometimes not capital resembling the Praetorian Guard, esp with regard to corruption

noun

1. a member of the Praetorian Guard

Word History and Origins

Origin of praetorian¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word praetōriānus. See praetor, -ian

Example Sentences

Abdullah has spent his life building this Praetorian elite force.

From The Daily Beast

But while they deliberated, the praetorian guards had resolved.

From Project Gutenberg

The Praetorian guards were attached to the youth of Alexander.

From Project Gutenberg

Directly the deed is done, the praetorian guard shall raise the cry: 'The Cæsar is dead!'

From Project Gutenberg

He entered his tribune preceded by an escort of his praetorian guard with flying standards.

From Project Gutenberg

Anon Caius Nepos, the praetorian praefect, came to the front of the tribune, and in stentorian voice commanded everyone to kneel.

From Project Gutenberg