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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• stadholderate
  noun
• stadholdership
  noun

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

In 1640, as the Spaniards remained on the defensive, the stadholder entered Flanders and by a forced march attempted to seize Bruges.

From History of Holland by Edmundson, George

In November, a victorious French army was on their border, and a strong party among them was ready to co-operate with it by overthrowing the stadholder as soon as it entered their territory.

From The Political History of England - Vol. X. The History of England from the Accession of George III to the close of Pitt's first Administration by Poole, Reginald Lane

It was governed by a stadholder, and but small respect was shown for its chartered rights and privileges.

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

Constant campaigning and exposure to the hardships of camp life year after year began at this time seriously to affect the health of the stadholder.

From History of Holland by Edmundson, George

Maurice succeeded to that of Groningen, but the Frieslanders remained faithful to the house of Nassau-Siegen and elected Ernest Casimir, the younger brother of William Lewis, as their stadholder.

From History of Holland by Edmundson, George