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