praetor

noun

prae·​tor ˈprē-tər How to pronounce praetor (audio)
variants or less commonly pretor
: an ancient Roman magistrate ranking below a consul and having chiefly judicial functions
praetorial adjective
praetorship noun

Examples of praetor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Macrinus was a mere praetor, a judicial official, with little political experience. National Geographic, 19 Mar. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'praetor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pretor, from Latin praetor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of praetor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near praetor

Cite this Entry

“Praetor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/praetor. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

praetor

noun
prae·​tor ˈprēt-ər How to pronounce praetor (audio)
: an ancient Roman official ranking below a consul and acting as a judge

More from Merriam-Webster on praetor

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