Heemraad

n.; pl. -raaden /plu>. [ Sometimes, incorrectly, Heemraat or even Heemrad. ] [ D. heem village + raad council, councilor. ] In Holland, and, until the 19th century, also in Cape Colony, a council to assist a local magistrate in the government of rural districts; hence, also, a member of such a council. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]