noun
- plural of pretor; ancient Roman magistrates ranking below consuls who administered justice and governed provinces
Usage: historical; ancient Rome
Examples
- The pretors were responsible for administering civil law in ancient Rome.
- Two pretors were elected annually to serve alongside the consuls.
- Provincial pretors governed territories outside of Rome itself.
- The pretor urbanus handled legal disputes between Roman citizens.
- Pretors often used their positions as stepping stones to higher office.
- The authority of pretors was limited compared to that of consuls.