Praetorian Guard

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Praetorian Guard in ancient Rome, the bodyguard of the Roman praetor or (later) emperor; in extended use, a group using its power and influence to support or defend a leader or central figure, or an established system.

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praetorian guard

views updated May 18 2018

prae·to·ri·an guard • n. Roman Hist. the bodyguard of the Roman emperor.

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