English Explanatory Dictionary

prefect

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An official of Ancient Rome who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc.
  2. The head of a department in France.
  3. The head of a county in Albania or Romania.
  4. The head of a prefecture in Japan.
  5. A school pupil in a position of power over other pupils.
  6. A commander.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɹiːfɛkt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-prefect.wav

Word forms

prefect prefects præfect praefect

Etymology

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”).

Synonyms

provost

Related words

prefecture

Derived words

perfectibility prefecthood prefectship subprefect underprefect
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