intendant

[ in-ten-duh nt ]

/ ɪnˈtɛn dənt /

noun

a person who has the direction or management of some public business, the affairs of an establishment, etc.; a superintendent.

the title of various government officials, especially administrators serving under the French, Spanish, or Portuguese monarchies.

Nearby words

Origin of intendant

1645–55; < French < Latin intendent- (stem of intendēns) present participle of intendere to stetch, make an effort (for), attend (to). See intend, -ant

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for intendant

The more severe government of France assesses upon each generality a certain sum, which the intendant must find as he can.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations|Adam Smith
The vessels bearing the new Governor and Intendant, however, suffered the most hapless violence.
Old Quebec|Sir Gilbert Parker and Claude Glennon Bryan
“Then you had better follow him,” rejoined the Intendant, in an angry tone.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat
"A dealer in Belgian cattle, purveyor to the German intendant," hazarded the prisoner, who had his reply all prepared.
Zibeline, Complete|Phillipe de Massa

Edward, much excited by the intelligence, went into the room where he usually sat with the Intendant.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat

British Dictionary definitions for intendant

intendant

/ (ɪnˈtɛndənt) /

noun

history a provincial or colonial official of France, Spain, or Portugal

a senior administrator in some countries, esp in Latin America

a superintendent or manager

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for intendant

intendant

"one who has charge of some business," 1650s, from French intendant (16c.), from Latin intendantem, present participle of intendere (see intend).