PRETOR (probably a contraction for pmitor, from prvv-eo, to precede, also to order) was, among the ancient Romans, the title given to the consuls as leaders of the armies of the state; bin it was specially employed to designate a magistrate whose powers were scarcely inferior to those of a consul. The pretorship, in this specific sense of the term, was first instituted in 366 nu., as a compensation to the patricians for being obliged to share with the honors of consulship. It was virtually a third consulship; the pretor was entitled colleges eonsulibus; he was elected by the same auspices and at the same comitia. For nearly 30 years, patricians alone were eligible for the office; but, in 337 B.C., the plebeians made good their right to it also. The pretor's functions were chiefly judicial. Though he sometimes commanded armies, and, in the absence of the consuls, exercised considerable authority within the city, yet his principal business was the administration of justice both in matters civil and criminal; and " to the edicts of successive pretors," says Mr. G. Long, "the Roman law owes, in a great degree, its
development and improvement," Originally, there was only one pretor; but, as the and state increased, and their relations with other nations became more complicated, others were added. In 246 if.c. a second pretor was appointed, to settle disputes that might arise between Romans and foreigners temporarily resident at Rome, for trading or other purposes, hence called prrEtor peregrinus (foreign pretor), to distinguish him from the original porter urbanus (city pretor). In 227 B.C., two new pretors were appointed, to administrate affairs in Sicily and Sardinia; and in 197 B.C., two more for the Spanish provinces, or 6 in all. Sella increased the number to 8, and Julius Cmsar to 16. Augustus reduced the number to 12; but at a biter period we read of 18, if not more. The city pretor-ships were reckoned the highest; and after a person had filled these offices, he sometimes received the administration of a province with the title of propiwtor Or proconsul.