praetor

views updated May 11 2018

prae·tor / ˈprētər/ (also pre·tor) • n. Roman Hist. each of two ancient Roman magistrates ranking below consul.DERIVATIVES: prae·to·ri·al / prēˈtôrēəl/ adj.prae·tor·ship / ˈprētərˌship/ n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

praetor

views updated Jun 11 2018

praetor, U.S. pretor magistrate of ancient Rome. XV. — F. préteur or L. prætor (-ōr-), perh.:- *præitor ‘one who goes before’, f. præ PRE- + pp. stem of īre go + -OR1.
So pr(a)etorian XV. — L.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

praetor

views updated Jun 11 2018

praetor Public official in ancient Rome, usually translated as ‘magistrate’. From 242 bc, two praetors were elected, serving a one-year term, usually followed by appointment as provincial governor. By the 1st century bc, there were eight praetors. The office declined in importance under the Emperors.

World Encyclopedia

praetor

views updated May 18 2018

praetor in ancient Rome, originally, the consul commanding the army; after bc 366, the annually elected magistrate; later, each of two magistrates ranking below consul.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES