pretorian
Definition
- 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
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characteristic of or similar to the corruptible soldiers in the Praetorian Guard with respect to corruption or political venality
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a large Praetorian bureaucracy filled with ambitious...and often sycophantic people makes work and makes trouble- Arthur M.Schlesinger Jr.
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of or relating to a Roman praetor
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praetorial powers
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