stadholder

[ stad-hohl-der ]

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈstadˌholderˌate, noun

Other Words From

• stadholder·ate stadholder·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stadholder¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stadholder¹

C16: partial translation of Dutch stad houder , from stad city (see stead ) + houder holder

Example Sentences

The stadholder’s authority and popularity continued unimpaired, despite of his frequent absences in England.

From Project Gutenberg

The town councils, though most of them willing to receive William in his capacity as stadholder, declined to give a hearing to the commission.

From Project Gutenberg

Amsterdam refused absolutely to admit either stadholder or commission.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

It was they, and not the stadholder, who The “Patriot” Party.

From Project Gutenberg