Definition of: prefect

(prē′fekt) noun
1. In ancient Rome, any of various civil and military officials, as certain magistrates, governors, and commanders.
2. Any magistrate, chief official, etc.; specifically, in France, the chief administrator of a department, or the head of the Paris police.
3. In Roman Catholic schools, the dean.
4. Brit. A senior pupil charged with maintaining order and discipline among other pupils. Also spelled praefect. [<OF <L praefectus, orig. pp. of praeficere set over <L prae- before + facere make, do]