prefect

Alternative forms

• præfect (old-fashioned)
• praefect

Etymology

From Old French prefect (French préfet), from Latin praefectus (“overseer, director, prefect”). Literally 'one having been put in charge'.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈpɹiːfekt/

Noun

prefect (plural prefects)

1. (historical) 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. The head of a prefecture in Japan.
4. A school pupil in a position of power over other pupils.
5. A commander.

Anagrams

• perfect