a Roman eques, was one of the earliest grammarians at Rome, and also one of the most celebrated.
Cicero describes him as most learned in Greek and Roman literature, and especially well acquainted with ancient Latin works. Aelius gave instruction in grammar to Varro, who speaks of him with the greatest respect, and frequently quotes him; and he was also one of Cicero's teachers in rhetoric. He received the surname of Praeconinus, because his father had been a praeco, and that of Stilo on account of his compositions. He belonged to the aristocratical party in the state, and accompanied Q. Metellus Numidicus into exile in B. C. 100, and, no doubt, returned with him to Rome in the following year.