Burgess
/ˈbɜːrdʒ.ɪs/noun
A member of the governing body of a town or borough.
Did you know?In medieval England, 'Burgess' referred not just to officials but to the very concept of civic identity and rights, intertwining governance with community.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
burgeis
“a resident of a fortified town or city.”
Middle English
Middle English
burges
“an individual with rights or privileges in a borough.”
14th Century
Latin
burgensis
“pertaining to a town or borough.”
Modern English
English
burgess
“a member of the governing body of a borough.”