English Explanatory Dictionary

Praetorian

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A member of a special bodyguard force used by Roman emperors, their symbol being the scorpion.
adj
  1. Of or pertaining to a praetor.
  2. Of or pertaining to the pretorium in an ancient Roman camp.
  3. Of or pertaining to the special bodyguard force used by Roman emperors.
  4. Corruptly mercenary and venal.
noun
  1. A praetor; a person of praetorian rank.
  2. Alternative letter-case form of Praetorian (“member of a special bodyguard force used by Roman emperors”).
  3. A venal mercenary.

Pronunciation

/pɹɪˈtɔːɹiən/

Word forms

Praetorian Praetorians pretorian prætorian

Etymology

From Middle English pretorian, from Latin praetōriānus.

Derived words

praetorian band praetorian guard: the bodyguard of the emperor in Ancient Rome
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