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Glite Dictionary
pretorian

pretorian

9.9
Relating to a Roman official called a praetor who had power over the law
  • adjective
  • /prɪˈtɔriən/
  • Literature
translation icon : pretoriano
  • The pretorian guards were known for their loyalty to the emperor.

Examples

  • The senator was accused of abusing his pretorian authority.

  • These laws were established during the pretorian era of Roman governance.

  • Ancient texts often mention pretorian commands and privileges.

  • In ancient Rome, a pretorian was an important political figure.

  • The senator was accused of abusing his pretorian authority.

  • Ancient texts often mention pretorian commands and privileges.

  • These laws were established during the pretorian era of Roman governance.

Synonyms

praetorial
vspretorian
  • Specialized
9.9

Relating to the office or power of a Roman official called a praetor

is the same meaning but is a different spelling variant
praetorian
vspretorian
  • Specialized
9.9

Relating to a Roman official who acted as a judge and army leader

is the same meaning but appears as an alternative spelling
pretorial
vspretorian
  • Literature
9.9

Relating to the actions and power of a Roman judge or governor called a praetor

is the same meaning but appears as another spelling form

Surface Forms

pretorian positive

Morphology

pretorian = praetor (transparent) = praetor + ian

Standard adjectival formation from the noun 'praetor' with '-ian'; meaning 'relating to a praetor' is directly derived.

Etymology

Pretorian often appears spelled praetorian and comes from the Roman official praetor, a judge and leader. Think of the Praetorian Guard who protected Roman leaders; so pretorian means 'of or relating to a Roman praetor'.