Prefect

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpɹiːfekt/

Alternative forms

• præfect old-fashioned
• praefect

Origin

From Latin praefectus ("overseer, director, prefect"). Literally 'one having been put in charge'.

Full definition of prefect

Noun

1. 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
2. The head of a department in France.
3. A school pupil in a position of power over other pupils.
4. A commander.

Anagrams

• perfect