Pronunciation: [pɹiːtˈɔːɹi͡ən] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "praetorian" can be confusing due to its Latin origin. It is pronounced [pri-tawr-ee-uhn], with emphasis on the second syllable. The "ae" combination in the first syllable is a common Latin diphthong which makes a "ai" sound. The "t" in the second syllable is pronounced as a "d" in some dialects or speech patterns. This word refers to the praetorian guard, an elite unit of soldiers in ancient Rome.
Praetorian is an adjective that originates from the Latin word "praetorius," which means "pertaining to the praetor." The term is primarily used to describe individuals or entities that are associated with the Praetorian Guard of ancient Rome.
The Praetorian Guard was a select group of elite soldiers who served as the personal bodyguards of the Roman emperors. They were renowned for their loyalty and their role in ensuring the security and stability of the empire. Consequently, the term "praetorian" conveys notions of protection, strength, and unwavering loyalty.
In a broader context, praetorian can be used metaphorically to refer to any organization or group of individuals that is exceptionally loyal, devoted, and steadfast in their support of a person, cause, or institution. It suggests a sense of reliability, guardianship, and protection.
Additionally, the adjective "praetorian" can be employed to describe actions or decisions that are characterized by a heavy reliance on military or authoritarian methods, often with an emphasis on maintaining strict order and control.
Overall, the term "praetorian" evokes ideas of loyalty, protection, steadfastness, and an unwavering commitment to a cause or individual, rooted in its historical association with the Praetorian Guard.
Pert. to a praetor.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "praetorian" is derived from the Latin term "praetorius", which is an adjective form of the noun "praetor". In Ancient Rome, a "praetor" referred to a high-ranking magistrate or judge who had various administrative and judicial responsibilities. The term "praetorian" later came to signify something relating to the Praetorian Guard, which was an elite unit of the Roman army formed during the reign of Augustus. The Praetorian Guard was responsible for protecting the emperor, while also occasionally involved in political and military activities. Hence, "praetorian" eventually became associated with the ideas of protection, security, and elite status.
