waywode

1 definition found

waywode - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Waywode \Way"wode\, n. [Russ. voevoda, or Pol. woiewoda;
     properly, a leader of an army, a leader in war. Cf.
     Vaivode.]
     Originally, the title of a military commander in various
     Slavonic countries; afterwards applied to governors of towns
     or provinces. It was assumed for a time by the rulers of
     Moldavia and Wallachia, who were afterwards called hospodars,
     and has also been given to some inferior Turkish officers.
     [Written also vaivode, voivode, waiwode, and
     woiwode.]
     [1913 Webster]