praetorian

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a member of the Praetorian Guard
adjective of or relating to a Roman praetor
adjective characteristic of or similar to the corruptible soldiers in the Praetorian Guard with respect to corruption or political venality; - Arthur M.Schlesinger Jr.

From Middle English pretorian, from Latin praetōriānus.

96-194 317 35.--The Praetorian Influence. — Young Folks' History of Rome, Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
He not only allowed them to receive, by decree of the senate, immense presents, but also to be decorated with the quaestorian and praetorian ensigns of honour. — The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete, Suetonius
For instance: the Janissaries and the Praetorian Guards were always fatal to authority--why?--because they were able to organize themselves as defenders of the government, independently of the government; hence their power of intimidation. — The Wandering Jew — Complete, Eugène Sue

Praetorian Guard

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