Definition of "prefect" in English

noun

1. (historical) An official of Ancient Rome who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc.

   • the prefect of the aqueducts; the prefect of a camp, of a fleet, of the city guard, or of provisions; the pretorian prefect, who was commander of the troops guarding the emperor's person

2. The head of a department in France.

3. The head of a county in Albania or Romania.

4. The head of a prefecture in Japan.

5. (British) A school pupil in a position of power over other pupils.

6. A commander.