Meaning

• The chief executive of the municipal government of a city, borough, &c., formerly usually appointed as a caretaker by European royal courts but now usually appointed or elected locally.

• Short for mayor of the palace, the royal stewards of the Frankish Empire.

• Synonym of mair, various former officials in the Kingdom of Scotland.

• A member of a city council.

• A high justice, an important judge.

• A largely ceremonial position in some municipal governments that presides over the city council while a contracted city manager holds actual executive power.

• A local VIP, a muckamuck or big shot reckoned to lead some local group.