Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prefect
Pre′fect
,Noun.
[L.
praefectus
, fr. praefectus
, p. p. of praeficere
to set over; prae
before + facere
to make: cf. F. préfet
.] 1.
A Roman officer who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc.;
as, the
prefect
of the aqueducts; the prefect
of a camp, of a fleet, of the city guard, of provisions; the pretorian prefect
, who was commander of the troops guarding the emperor’s person.2.
A superintendent of a department who has control of its police establishment, together with extensive powers of municipal regulation.
[France]
Brande & C.
3.
In the Greek and Roman Catholic churches, a title of certain dignitaries below the rank of bishop.
Apostolic prefect
(R. C. Ch.)
, the head of a mission, not of episcopal rank.
Shipley.
Webster 1828 Edition
Prefect
PRE'FECT
,Noun.
1.
In ancient Rome, a chief magistrate who governed a city or province in the absence of the king, consuls or emperor.2.
A governor, commander, chief magistrate or superintendent.Definition 2025
prefect
prefect
English
Alternative forms
Noun
prefect (plural prefects)
- An official of Ancient Rome who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc.
- the prefect of the aqueducts; the prefect of a camp, of a fleet, of the city guard, or of provisions; the pretorian prefect, who was commander of the troops guarding the emperor's person
- The head of a department in France.
- A school pupil in a position of power over other pupils.
- A commander.
Synonyms
- (Roman office): provost (obs.)
Translations
an official of ancient Rome
the head of a department in France
a school pupil in a position of power over other pupils
a commander
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