(Latin), in a general sense, one who superintends or takes charge of a thing; an overseer, a keeper.

Among the Romans it was used more particularly to denote a guardian or a trustee, as of a minor, an imbecile, an absent person, &c. In a cognate sense also it was applied under the emperors to various public functionaries, of whom the most important were the following:— CURATORS Alvi Tiberis, those who had charge of the navigation of the Tiber.

CURATORS Annonae, those who regulated the price of corn and oil, and distributed them among the poor.

CURATORS Aquarum, those who had the superintendence of the aqueducts.

CURATORS Ludorum, the superintendents of the public games; usually called in inscriptions curatores munieris gladiatorii, &c.

CURATORS Operum Publicorum, the inspectors of the public buildings.

CURATORS Regionum, those to whose care were committed the fourteen districts of the city, for the prevention of disorder and extortion.

CURATORS Reipublicae, or Logistes, the administrators of the landed property in their respective municipia.

CURATORS Viarum, the superintendents of the public ways; a title frequently assumed by the emperors themselves.

CURATOR of a University, in the United Provinces, or Holland, an officer elected to superintend the affairs of the institution, the administration of its revenues, the conduct of the professors, &c. In learned institutions generally, the officer who has charge of libraries, museums, &c., is frequently styled curator.