praetor

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an annually elected magistrate of the Roman Republic, especially one responsible for administering justice

   The praetor issued an edict explaining how his court would apply Roman law.

2. 2
   noun

   historical: a high civic or administrative official, especially a chief magistrate

   The city entrusted the praetor with both judicial and administrative duties.

From Latin praetor ('leader, magistrate'), contracted from an earlier form meaning 'one who goes before,' based on prae ('before') + ire ('to go'). The office changed over Roman history but became closely associated with judicial authority.

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