1. Plural of prothonotary; chief clerks or principal notaries in certain courts or ecclesiastical offices.
Usage: formal; chiefly historical or legal
2. A type of North American warbler (Protonotaria citrea) with bright yellow plumage.
Usage: ornithology

Examples

• The prothonotaries of the court maintained detailed records of all proceedings.
• Medieval prothonotaries served as trusted advisors to bishops and archbishops.
• Birdwatchers were excited to spot several prothonotaries nesting near the swamp.
• The prothonotary warbler's golden plumage makes it easy to identify in the field.
• In Pennsylvania, the prothonotary is an elected official responsible for court records.