prefect

(prē′fekt′)

noun

in ancient Rome, any of various high-ranking officials or chief magistrates in charge of governmental or military departments
in modern times, any of various administrative officials; specif.,
1. the head of a department of France
2. the chief of the Paris police
in some private schools, esp. in England, an older student with disciplinary authority

Origin: ME prefecte < OFr < L praefectus, pp. of praeficere, to set over: see pre- & -fy

See prefect in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A high administrative official or chief officer, as:
a. Any of several high military or civil officials in ancient Rome.
b. The chief of police of Paris, France.
c. A chief administrative official of a department of France.
d. The administrator in charge of discipline at a Jesuit school.
A student monitor or officer, especially in a private school.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin praefectus

Origin: , from past participle of praeficere, to place at the head of

Origin: : prae-, pre-

Origin: + facere, to make; see dhē- in Indo-European roots

Learn more about prefect

prefect synonyms

prefect in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box