margrave

American  

[mahr-greyv] / ˈmɑr greɪv /

noun

1. (formerly) the hereditary title of the rulers of certain European states.

2. History/Historical. a hereditary German title, equivalent to marquis.

3. (originally) a military governor of a German mark, or border province.

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margrave British  

/ ˈmɑːˌɡreɪv /

noun

1. a German nobleman ranking above a count. Margraves were originally counts appointed to govern frontier provinces, but all had become princes of the Holy Roman Empire by the 12th century

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Other Word Forms

• margravial adjective

Etymology

Origin of margrave

1545–55; earlier marcgrave < Middle Dutch, equivalent to marke border (cognate with march ² ) + grave count (cognate with reeve ¹ ); compare German Markgraf

Example Sentences

The elector Philip of Hesse followed suit, as did the margrave of Brandenburg, the dukes of Schleswig and Brunswick, and many smaller potentates of the empire.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2014

Straight would to horse the margrave, and with his warriors ride I ween, their hearts that moment their coming doom forbode.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

Thereto replied the margrave, "Your words content me well."

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

Well saw the noble margrave, her grief was lively yet.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

LIV Thereat straight to their quarters the noble knights withdrew, The lord of Bern, Sir Dietrich, and the good margrave too.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown