Main Entry:

pre·fect

Pronunciation:

\ˈprē-ˌfekt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praefectus, from past participle of praeficere to place at the head of, from prae- + facere to make — more at do

Date:

14th century

1 : any of various high officials or magistrates of differing functions and ranks in ancient Rome 2 : a chief officer or chief magistrate 3 : a student monitor in a usually private school