praetorian

Meanings

1. 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.

2. 2
   noun

   a member of the Roman Praetorian Guard

   Each praetorian swore to protect the emperor and the imperial household.

3. 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.

4. 4
   adj

   of or relating to a praetor, a magistrate of ancient Rome

   The inscription records the official's praetorian authority in the province.

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.

Topics

External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary