“The magistratus minores were officials of minor importance, they had no imperium and were vested with a restricted jurisdiction and some functions in specific fields …. The tenure of a minor magistracy opened the way for the quaestorship, the first step in the career of magistratus maiores.” Adolf Berger, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Roman Law 572 (1953).
magistratus minores
magistratus minores (maj-[schwa]-stray-t[schwa]s mi-nor-eez). [Latin “lesser magistrates”] Roman law. Magistrates with limited powers. Cf. MAGISTRATUS MAJORES.