Category:Prefect

Pre"fect, n. Etym: [l. praefectus, fr. praefectus, p. p. of Praeficere to set over; prae before + facere to make: cf. F. préfet.]

1. A roman officer who controlled or superintended a particular Command, charge, department, etc.; as, the prefect of the aqueducts; The prefect of a camp, of a fleet, of the city guard, of provisions; The pretorian prefect, who was commander of the troops guarding the Emperor's person.

2. A superintendent of a department who has control of its police Establishment, together with extensive powers of municipal Regulation. [france] brande & c.

3. In the greek and roman catholic churches, a title of certain Dignitaries below the rank of bishop. Apostolic prefect (r. C. Ch.), The head of a mission, not of episcopal rank. Shipley.