prefect

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An older school pupil given authority over other students.

   As a prefect, she was responsible for keeping order in the corridors.

2. 2
   noun

   A senior government or administrative official, especially in France or ancient Rome.

   The prefect of police gave a statement to reporters.

From Middle English prefect and prefecte, from Old French prefect (Mod. French préfet), from Latin praefectus (“one placed in charge, overseer, director, prefect”), from praeficere (“to place in charge”).

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