Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

stadholder

American  
[stad-hohl-der] / ˈstædˌhoʊl dər /

noun

  1. the chief magistrate of the former republic of the United Provinces of the Netherlands.

  2. (formerly, in the Netherlands) the viceroy or governor of a province.


stadholder British  
/ ˈstædˌhəʊldə /

noun

  1. the chief magistrate of the former Dutch republic or of any of its provinces (from about 1580 to 1802)

  2. a viceroy or governor of a province

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of stadholder

1585–95; partial translation of Dutch stadhouder, equivalent to stad place + houder holder; translation of Medieval Latin locum tenēns

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Foremost among these was the great commercial capital, Amsterdam, whose rich burgher patriciate did not scruple on occasion to defy the authority of the States-General, the stadholder and even of the States of Holland themselves.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various

The consent of the States-General and of the stadholder being obtained, some months were spent in making preparations on an adequate scale.

From History of Holland by Edmundson, George

In 1492 it was captured by the insurgent peasants of North Holland, was re-taken by the duke of Saxony, the imperial stadholder, and deprived of its privileges.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various

He and Spinola found themselves once more at the head of the armies in the field, but the health of the stadholder was undermined, and his military genius was under a cloud.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various

The act of Seclusion, which barred the young prince of Orange from holding the office of stadholder and of captain-general, had been one of the conditions on which Cromwell had insisted.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 5 "Hinduism" to "Home, Earls of" by Various

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "stadholder" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com