pryt·a·nis \ˈpritənə̇s\noun (pluralpryta·nes \-ənˌēz\) Etymology: Latin, from Greek, ruler, lord, prytanis, of non-Indo-European origin 1.: a member of a prytany 2.: a chief official in various ancient Greek states (as Lycia, Miletus, or Rhodes) after the abolition of monarchies