Meanings
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1
adj
of or relating to the Praetorian Guard, the imperial bodyguard of ancient Rome
The emperor's death was avenged by praetorian soldiers loyal to his successor.
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2
noun
a member of the Roman Praetorian Guard
Each praetorian swore to protect the emperor and the imperial household.
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3
adj
characterized by military guards or officials who use their position to exercise corrupt political influence
The reformers attacked the praetorian bureaucracy for protecting its own power.
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4
adj
of or relating to a praetor, a magistrate of ancient Rome
The inscription records the official's praetorian authority in the province.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English pretorian and Latin praetorianus, from praetor ('Roman magistrate') and praetorium ('commander's headquarters'). The name passed to the emperor's elite guard and later acquired a figurative political sense.