burgess

¹

[ bur-jis ]

noun

1. American History. a representative in the popular branch of the colonial legislature of Virginia or Maryland.
2. (formerly) a representative of a borough in the British Parliament.
3. Rare. an inhabitant of an English borough.

Burgess

²

[ bur-jis ]

noun

1. Anthony, 1917–93, English novelist and critic.
2. (Frank) Ge·lett [j, uh, -, let], 1866–1951, U.S. illustrator and humorist.
3. Thornton Waldo, 1874–1965, U.S. author, especially of children's books.
4. a male given name.

Burgess

¹

/ ˈbɜːdʒɪs /

noun

1. BurgessAnthony19171993MEnglishWRITING: novelistWRITING: critic Anthony , real name John Burgess Wilson . 1917–93, English novelist and critic: his novels include A Clockwork Orange (1962), Tremor of Intent (1966), Earthly Powers (1980), and Any Old Iron (1989)
2. BurgessGuy19111963MBritishPOLITICS: diplomatCRIME AND POLICING: spy Guy . 1911–63, British spy, who fled to the Soviet Union (with Donald Maclean) in 1951

burgess

²

/ ˈbɜːdʒɪs /

noun

1. in England
   1. a citizen or freeman of a borough
   2. any inhabitant of a borough
2. English history a Member of Parliament from a borough, corporate town, or university
3. a member of the colonial assembly of Maryland or Virginia

Word History and Origins

Origin of burgess¹

1175–1225; Middle English burgeis < Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to burg city (< Germanic ) + -eis < Latin -ēnsis -ensis; -ese

Word History and Origins

Origin of burgess¹

C13: from Old French burgeis , from borc town, from Late Latin burgus , of Germanic origin; see borough

Example Sentences

In 2009, a different set of Litchfield burgesses banned ribbons from the town green trees, citing the potential for a proliferation of free speech displays as well as possible tree damage.

From Seattle Times

Twenty-two burgesses gathered in the church at Jamestown Island, and two were kicked out immediately because they were from a plantation that had not acknowledged colonial authority.

From Washington Post

On Tuesday, lawmakers, members of Congress and other guests will gather at historic Jamestown for ceremonies to commemorate the meeting of the burgesses.

From Seattle Times

The state has been planning the Jamestown events for several years to mark the first time 20 burgesses chosen by colonists gathered on July 30, 1619.

From Washington Post

In 1748, the Virginia burgesses passed a law mandating the death penalty for any enslaved person who poisoned his or her master.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• inhabitant
• national
• resident
• taxpayer