pretorian Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of or relating to a Roman praetor
    pretorial; praetorial; praetorian.
    • praetorial powers
  2. adjective satellite characteristic of or similar to the corruptible soldiers in the Praetorian Guard with respect to corruption or political venality
    Praetorian.
    • a large Praetorian bureaucracy filled with ambitious...and often sycophantic people makes work and makes trouble"- Arthur M.Schlesinger Jr.

WordNet

Pre*to"ri*an adjective
Etymology
L. praetorians: cf. F. prétorien.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a pretor or magistrate; judicial; exercised by, or belonging to, a pretor; as, pretorian power or authority. Brande & C.
Pre*to"ri*an noun
Definitions
  1. A soldier of the pretorian guard.

Webster 1913