Prefect definition
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.
noun
In modern times, any of various administrative officials.
- The head of a department of France.
- The chief of the Paris police.
noun
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In some private schools, esp. in England, an older student with disciplinary authority.
noun
A high administrative official or chief officer, as:
- Any of several high military or civil officials in ancient Rome.
- The chief of police of Paris, France.
- A chief administrative official of a department of France.
- The administrator in charge of discipline at a Jesuit school.
noun
In ancient Rome, any of various high-ranking officials or chief magistrates in charge of governmental or military departments.
noun
A student monitor or officer, especially in a private school.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
prefect
Plural:
prefectsOrigin of prefect
- Middle English from Old French from Latin praefectus from past participle of praeficere to place at the head of prae- pre- facere to make dhē- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Latin praefectus (“overseer, director, prefect"). Literally 'one having been put in charge'.
From Wiktionary