preceptor

plural preceptors · alternative præceptor · alternative præceptour · alternative preceptour

1. A teacher or tutor.First known use 15th c.

   A man who had thought so much on the subjects of language and education was surely no ordinary preceptor.

   c. 1793, Edward Gibbon, Memoirs, Penguin, published 1990, page 64

   2 more examples

   When a youth of twelve years, - since, as Solomon says, "The root of learning is bitter, although the fruit is sweet - and following his literary pursuits, in order to avoid the discipline and frequent stripes inflicted on him by his preceptor, he ran away, and concealed himself under the hollow bank of a river[.]

   1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume II, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 191

   We shall resume our studies later on; but just now I am tired of playing the preceptor; and the eager thirst of my pupils for improvement does not console me for the slowness of their progress.

   1905, George Bernard Shaw, The author's apology from Mrs. Warren's Profession, page 61

2. historicalThe head of a preceptory of Knights Templar.First known use 15th c.
3. USmedicineA doctor who gives practical training to medical students, nurses etc.First known use 19th c.

   Near-synonyms: mentor, professor

   Synonyms: mentor, professor