prefect

/ˌpriˈfɛkt/

/ˈprifɛkt/

Other forms: prefects

A prefect is a chief officer or magistrate, originally in ancient Rome.

Like a mayor or governor, a prefect is someone powerful: a chief officer or chief magistrate. In ancient Rome, a prefect was not only in charge of a city or province but of the military too, just as the United States President is the military commander-in-chief too. The term prefect is a little old-fashioned, but there are still prefects around today.

Definitions of prefect

1. noun

   a chief officer or chief magistrate
   “the prefect of Paris police”

   type of:

   administrator, executive

   someone who manages a government agency or department
2. noun

   an older student, especially in a private school, who monitors or supervises other students
   type of:

   supervisor

   one who supervises or has charge and direction of