The term “burghmaster” is not commonly used in modern English, but it has an interesting history and meaning. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of burghmaster, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
A burghmaster is a term used to refer to a mayor or chief magistrate of a town or borough. The term is derived from the German word “Burgemeister,” which means “master of the castle” or “lord of the town.” Burghmasters were typically elected officials who held significant power and authority in their communities.
Origin
The term burghmaster originated in medieval Europe, where towns and cities were often organized around a central castle or fortress. The burghmaster was the person responsible for managing the affairs of the town or borough, including overseeing the administration of justice, collecting taxes, and maintaining public order.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of burghmaster is relatively consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines burghmaster as “the chief magistrate of a town or borough.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a mayor or chief magistrate of a town or borough,” while Dictionary.com defines it as “the chief magistrate of a town or borough, corresponding to the mayor of modern times.”
Associations
Burghmasters are associated with medieval European towns and cities, where they played a significant role in the administration of local affairs. They were often elected officials who held considerable power and authority in their communities, and they were responsible for maintaining public order, collecting taxes, and overseeing the administration of justice.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for burghmaster, including mayor, chief magistrate, town manager, and city administrator. These terms all refer to individuals who hold significant power and authority in their communities and are responsible for managing the affairs of their towns or cities.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for burghmaster, as it is a specific term that refers to a particular type of official. However, one could use the term “citizen” or “resident” to refer to individuals who do not hold official positions of power in their communities.
The same root words
The term burghmaster is derived from the German word “Burgemeister,” which means “master of the castle” or “lord of the town.” The same root words are found in other European languages, including Dutch (“Burgemeester”), Swedish (“Borgmästare”), and Danish (“Borgmester”).
Example Sentences
- The burghmaster of the town was responsible for maintaining public order and ensuring that taxes were collected.
- The citizens of the town elected a new burghmaster every year.
- The burghmaster was a respected member of the community who had considerable power and authority.
- The burghmaster presided over the town council and was responsible for making important decisions about the town’s future.
- The burghmaster’s official residence was located in the center of town, near the castle or fortress.