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

A margrave, that hight Elsy, is lord of all this land.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

The noble margrave answer'd, "I'll tell you willingly."

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

The good margrave seems here to discharge the duties of a male duenna.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown

Right hearty was the welcome; it pleas'd the margrave well.

From The Nibelungenlied Revised Edition by Unknown