What does procurator mean?
A procurator is, in its best-known historical sense, an ancient Roman official who handled financial or legal business on behalf of the state, a military commander, or another authority. The title could cover officials with responsibilities ranging from managing provincial finances to administering justice. In modern English, it is relatively uncommon, but it remains familiar in Scottish legal language through "procurator fiscal," the official who conducts criminal proceedings on behalf of the state. Although a procurator could have powers resembling those of a modern prosecutor, the word is not simply a synonym for "prosecutor": historically it also covered financial and administrative duties. The term is consequently especially useful in discussions of Roman government, imperial administration, legal history, and the development of prosecutorial institutions.
nounA Roman official who managed financial or legal affairs on behalf of the government, especially in the provinces. In modern Scottish usage, the term is chiefly known through the title "procurator fiscal," a public official responsible for criminal prosecution.
- A Roman official responsible for financial administration or legal business, especially in a province or under a government or military commander.
- In modern Scottish legal usage, a public official involved in criminal prosecution, especially the procurator fiscal.
"The emperor appointed a procurator to oversee the financial affairs of the province."
"The procurator audited the accounts of the provincial treasury."
"The procurator fiscal presented the case before the court."
The plural is used when referring collectively to officials holding the title, especially Roman provincial administrators.
"Several procurators administered justice in the eastern provinces."
A Roman procurator began as a manager of someone else's affairs, and the name later became a title for officials entrusted with the empire's money and justice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of procurator
The English word comes from Latin "procurator," a noun formed from "procurare," meaning "to take care of, manage, or attend to." That verb combines the prefix "pro-" with "curare," meaning "to care for." In Roman usage, the title developed from the general idea of someone who managed another person's affairs into an official designation for financial and legal administrators.
Related word forms
How procurator is actually used
The word is much more common in historical writing than in everyday modern English. In Scotland, it is normally encountered as part of the formal title "procurator fiscal."
Easily confused with procurator
A procurator was historically an official who managed financial or legal business on behalf of another authority, while a prosecutor is someone who formally brings criminal charges against a person.