podesta

American  

[poh-des-tuh, poh-duh-stah] / poʊˈdɛs tə, ˌpoʊ dəˈstɑ /

noun

1. any of certain magistrates in Italy, as a chief magistrate in medieval towns and republics.

2. a person appointed to serve as mayor of an Italian city during the Fascist regime.

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podesta British  

/ pɒˈdɛstə, podeˈsta /

noun

1. (in modern Italy) a subordinate magistrate in some towns

2. (in Fascist Italy) the chief magistrate of a commune

3. 1. any of the governors of the Lombard cities appointed by Frederick Barbarossa

   2. a chief magistrate in any of various republics, such as Florence

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Etymology

Origin of podesta

1540–50; < Italian podestà power < Latin potestās power, command

Example Sentences

The podesta himself will be down here in an hour.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert

"Curiosity is a worthier motive than torture," said Daoud, hoping he was undermining d'Ucello's resolution and making the podesta feel ashamed.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert

Daoud saw the flickering glow of heat lightning through the thick leaded-glass window behind the podesta.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert

The look in d'Ucello's eyes told Daoud that the moment when the podesta would strike at him was not far away.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert

"I am shocked that the podesta would arrest your houseguest," she said.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert