Definition of prerogative

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< prerequisite

pres. >

pre·rog·a·tive    (pr-rg-tv) KEY 

NOUN:

1. An exclusive right or privilege held by a person or group, especially a hereditary or official right. See Synonyms at right.
2. The exclusive right and power to command, decide, rule, or judge: the principal's prerogative to suspend a student.
3. A special quality that confers superiority.

ADJECTIVE:

Of, arising from, or exercising a prerogative.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin praerogtva, feminine of praerogtvus, asked first, from praerogtus, past participle of praerogre, to ask before : prae-, pre- + rogre, to ask; see reg- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
pre·roga·tived(Adjective)