stadtholder

noun2

1. •
   (historical) The chief provincial magistrate, military commander, and, as a member of the House of Orange, highest-ranking noble in the Dutch Republic, who often served as a de facto head of state alongside the States General; the position became hereditary in 1747

   • For decades, no stadtholder who would counterbalance the power of the Amsterdam regents had been appointed. — 2001
2. •
   (historical) An office formerly held by Danish and Swedish officials, best translated as governor-general.