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

"But the podesta won't let you leave the city!"

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

The dark eyes of the podesta, with the deep black rings under them, stared back.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert

Soon all observations were interrupted, for upon the parlera, which was covered with black cloth and velvet cushions, they saw appear the magistrates, the podesta, his lieutenant, and finally the captain Lucio.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. VIII by Various

D'Ucello, the podesta, came here the night of the uprising, looking for you and Lorenzo.

From The Saracen: The Holy War by Shea, Robert