n.
Pronunciation: ' pr ē - ˌ fekt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praefectus, from past participle of praeficere to place at the head of, from prae- + facere to make ― more at DO
Date: 14th century
1 : any of various high officials or magistrates of differing functions and ranks in ancient Rome
2 : a chief officer or chief magistrate
3 : a student monitor in a usually private school