Pretorian

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Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Resembling or characteristic of the corrupt Praetorian Guard: Describes something marked by political corruption, venality, or unscrupulous ambition, often within a powerful, self-serving organization.
    • Relating to a Roman praetor: Pertaining to the ancient Roman magistrate known as a praetor, who held judicial and military authority.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective (Corrupt/Ambitious):
    • The administration was accused of fostering a pretorian culture where loyalty was valued over integrity.
    • He described the corporate lobbying group as a pretorian force influencing policy.
  • Adjective (Roman Context):
    • The pretorian edict was a key source of Roman law.
    • Archaeologists studied the pretorian insignia found at the site.
Advanced Usage
  • "Pretorian" as a modifier for modern institutions: Used critically to describe any powerful, internal guard or bureaucracy perceived as operating with corrupt, self-interested, or politically manipulative motives, analogous to the historical Praetorian Guard.
    • The article argued that the presidential security detail had evolved into a modern pretorian elite.
Variants and Related Words
  • Praetorian (adj/n): The more common alternate spelling of "pretorian." As a noun, it can refer to a member of the Praetorian Guard.
    • The emperor was protected by his Praetorian guard.
  • Praetor (n): The Roman magistrate.
    • Julius Caesar served as praetor before becoming consul.
  • Praetorial (adj): A synonym specifically for the "relating to a praetor" meaning.
    • He exercised praetorial authority in the province.
Synonyms
  • Corrupt: Marked by dishonesty for personal gain.
  • Venal: Willing to participate in unethical conduct for money or reward.
  • Sycophantic: Behaving obsequiously to gain advantage from powerful people.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • Praetorian Guard: Historically, the elite Roman imperial bodyguard who often became kingmakers; metaphorically, any powerful group that protects a leader and may wield undue influence.
    • The CEO's inner circle was seen as the company's Praetorian Guard.
Adjective
  1. 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.
  2. of or relating to a Roman praetor
    • praetorial powers

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