praetorian

adjective4

1. •
   Of or pertaining to a praetor.
2. •
   Of or pertaining to the special bodyguard force used by Roman emperors.

   • Hey, sir? Sir, excuse me?” The blonde was calling out to him, in imperious tones that insisted on a reply. Her satraps became watchful, like a Praetorian guard. — 2001
3. •
   Of or pertaining to the pretorium in an ancient Roman camp.

   • The praetorian gate was directly in front of the general's tent, and nearest to the enemy.
4. •
   Corruptly mercenary and venal.

noun2

1. •
   A praetor; a person of praetorian rank.

   • I am so rich, I could have given bid for bid with the wealthiest Praetorians at the auction of the Roman empire (which was the world’s); and yet I owe for the flesh in the tongue I brag with. — 1851
2. •
   A venal mercenary.

noun1

1. •
   (historical) A member of a special bodyguard force used by Roman emperors, their symbol being the scorpion.