praetor noun. ['pri:tǝ, -tɔ:] Also pretor. LME.
[French préteur or Latin praetor, perh. from prae PRE- + it- pa. ppl stem of ire go: see -OR.]
1. Roman History. Any of several annually elected magistrates (of which there were usually two) who were subordinate to the consuls. Also, a consul as leader of the army, at a time before the development of this magistracy. LME.
peregrine praetor: see PEREGRINE adjective.

2. transf. A person holding high civic office, as a mayor or chief magistrate. Now rare. L15.

■ praetorship noun the position or office of praetor; the term of this office: M16.

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