officer Copy link Outline 1. expr. by praefectus, praepŏsĭtus (the former used both as part. and as subs.; the latter only as part.)2. abstr. for concrete, impĕrium (only pl. in this sense; and commonly of the supreme military authorities) • officer: 1. expr. by praefectus, praepŏsĭtus (the former used both as part. and as subs.; the latter only as part.): the (commanding) o. of the guard, praefectus custodum, Nep. Eum. 11: a cavalry o., praefectus equitum, Hirt. B. G. 8, 12 (also, esp. in pl., without equitum: praefecti, the commanding officers of cavalry, as distinct from the tribuni militum or legionary o.s, Caes. B. G. 1, 39, etc.): to choose o.s and obey them, praeponere electos, audire praepositos, Tac. G. 30: v. office (4). 2. abstr. for concrete, impĕrium (only pl. in this sense; and commonly of the supreme military authorities): military o.s and magistrates, imperia, potestates, Lex in Cic. Leg. 3, 3, 9: cf. Caes. B. C. 3, 32, erat plena lictorum et imperiorum (lictors and other o.s). differta praefectis atque exactoribus (all kinds of officials; military and financial). See also commander, superintendent, etc.: according to the specific nature of the office held.