proedria
De Jure Proedriæ seu Præcedentiæ, Titulus libri editi Wittenbergæ ann. 1702. auctore Henr. Hornio. Vide Proedrus et Glossar. med. Græcit. in
(προεδρία). The right of occupying the front row of seats next the orchestra, at the dramatic performances in the Greek theatre. This distinction was enjoyed by the priests, the chief magistrates, distinguished citizens, the descendants of those who had fallen in battle for their country, and members of foreign States whom it was desired to honour, especially ambassadors. The term also denotes the presidency at the Council (see boule), and in the assemblies of the people. In the fifth century B.C. the prytanes, under their epistates, presided over the Council and the assemblies of the people; in the fourth, the proedri were instituted. The latter were appointed on each occasion from nine of the tribes, and the presidential duties were transferred to them and their epistates (a member of the tenth tribe). See Aristotle, Athen. Polit. xliv. p. 115, with Kenyon's note.