praetorian

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prae·to·ri·an

also pre·to·ri·an (prē-tôr′ē-ən)

adj.

1. Of or relating to a praetor or the praetorship.

2. Praetorian Of or belonging to the Praetorian Guard.

3. Venal; corruptible: "A large praetorian bureaucracy, filled with ambitious, possessive ... and often sycophantic people, makes work and makes trouble" (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).

1. A praetor or ex-praetor.

2. Praetorian A member of the Praetorian Guard.

praetorian

(priːˈtɔːrɪən) or

pretorian

adj

(Historical Terms) of or relating to a praetor

(Historical Terms) a person holding praetorian rank; a praetor or ex-praetor

Praetorian

(priːˈtɔːrɪən) or

Pretorian

adj

1. (Historical Terms) of or relating to the Praetorian Guard

2. (sometimes not capital) resembling the Praetorian Guard, esp with regard to corruption

(Historical Terms) a member of the Praetorian Guard

prae•to•ri•an

(priˈtɔr i ən, -ˈtoʊr-)

adj.

1. of or pertaining to a praetor.

2. (often cap.) of or pertaining to the Praetorian Guard.

3. a praetor or ex-praetor.

4. (often cap.) a soldier of the Praetorian Guard.

[1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin praetōriānus. See praetor, -ian]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

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Noun	1.	Praetorian - a member of the Praetorian Guard Praetorian Guard Praetorian Guard - the elite bodyguard of a Roman Emperor in ancient Rome bodyguard, escort - someone who escorts and protects a prominent person
Adj.	1.	praetorian - of or relating to a Roman praetor; "praetorial powers" praetorial, pretorial, pretorian
	2.	Praetorian - characteristic of or similar to the corruptible soldiers in the Praetorian Guard with respect to corruption or political venality; "a large Praetorian bureaucracy filled with ambitious...and often sycophantic people makes work and makes trouble"- Arthur M.Schlesinger Jr. Pretorian corrupt - lacking in integrity; "humanity they knew to be corrupt...from the day of Adam's creation"; "a corrupt and incompetent city government"

praetorian

adjective

Ruthlessly seeking personal advantage:

corrupt, mercenary, venal.

Informal: crooked.

Translations

prétorien

praetorian

[prɪˈtɔːrɪən]

A. ADJ → pretoriano

B. CPD praetorian guard N → guardia f pretoriana

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References in classic literature ?

Knowing the sloth of the Emperor Julian, he persuaded the army in Sclavonia, of which he was captain, that it would be right to go to Rome and avenge the death of Pertinax, who had been killed by the praetorian soldiers; and under this pretext, without appearing to aspire to the throne, he moved the army on Rome, and reached Italy before it was known that he had started.

View in context

To the second floor on which the window was situated, he ascended, much pre-occupied in mind by the uncertainties besetting the Roman Empire, and much regretting the death of the amiable Pertinax: who only last night had left the Imperial affairs in a state of great confusion, by falling a victim to the fury of the praetorian guards.

View in context

I am so rich, I could have given bid for bid with the wealthiest Praetorians at the auction of the Roman empire (which was the world's); and yet I owe for the flesh in the tongue I brag with.

View in context

It would be very whimsical," thought he, "if, this evening, my praetorians should make me king of France.

View in context

We welcome Praetorian into the CORE Secured[TM] partner program, and look forward to working together on our combined offerings going forward," said Joseph Schramm, director strategic alliances & partner enablement, CORE Security.

CORE Security and Praetorian in Partnership; Agreement Adds Depth to Security Services and Research Offerings

Please Refer To The Tender And Its Annexes, As Well As To The Special D ~ Contract And The Report Published On The Website Of The Province Of Latina (Section Praetorian Register - Gare And Transparent Administration - Invitations To Tender And Contracts).

Management Services, Printing And Mailing Of Administrative Sanctions Of Competence Of The Latin Provincial Police

With Corbyn's Praetorian Guard of union leaders and activists unsheathing swords and holding shields firm, a battle is inevitable.

Let battle commence

14 May 2015 - US-based digital media company Praetorian Digital, Inc.

Praetorian Digital Buys Fire, EMS Online Training Unit from Kaplan

Of course, we have a history of praetorian adventurisms.

Rising to occasion

The findings reveal that a specific form of military organization, the Roman origin Praetorian militarisation, as well as national-level corruption, both adversely affected the well being of citizens.

Study reveals 'Praetorian militarization' adversely affecting citizens' well being

On Friday, Florida's office of Insurance Regulation issued an order to QBE's force-placed insurance company, Praetorian Insurance Co.

Florida Denial of QBE Force-Placed Rate Proposal Could Impact Assurant, Others

Nigerian-born, Norfolk-based Scarrow's new story, Praetorian, tells the tale of army veterans Marco and Cato.