Landdrost

/ ˈlændrɒst /

noun

1. history the chief magistrate of a district

Word History and Origins

Origin of Landdrost¹

C18: Afrikaans, from Dutch land country + drost sheriff, bailiff

Example Sentences

While I was at Fouriesburg the landdrost, Mr. M. Fourie, came from the Ficksburg Commando, and told me that he, Commandant Steyn, and Field-Cornet J. J. van Niekerk would be pleased if I could visit their commando.

From Project Gutenberg

On the following day I rode to the house of Mr. Jan Roos, to get further news about the whereabouts of the President, as the landdrost, Mr. Jan Brand Wessels, stayed there.

From Project Gutenberg

On our way thither I left the commando to go to the office of Landdrost Serfontein, in order to visit the unfortunate de Lange there, who was sentenced to death by a court-martial for high treason.

From Project Gutenberg

The church and manse, post office, Landdrost's office and about five or six other houses were not destroyed, but the mill was blown up by the Engineers.

From Project Gutenberg

Not but that the rich landdrost,—for it must be remembered that Von Bloom was now chief magistrate of his district,—and the wealthy boor could have easily afforded a score of attendants upon each trio of hunters.

From Project Gutenberg