governor

gov·er·nor

noun \ˈgə-v^ən-ər also ˈgə-vər-nər\

Definition of GOVERNOR

1

: one that governs: as a : one that exercises authority especially over an area or group b : an official elected or appointed to act as ruler, chief executive, or nominal head of a political unit c : commanding officer d : the managing director and usually the principal officer of an institution or organization e : a member of a group that directs or controls an institution or society

2

: tutor

3

a slang : one looked upon as governing b : mister, sir —usually used as a term of address

4

a : an attachment to a machine (as a gasoline engine) for automatic control or limitation of speed b : a device giving automatic control (as of pressure or temperature)

— gov·er·nor·ate \-ət, -ˌāt\ noun

Examples of GOVERNOR

1. the governor of the state of Florida
2. He was the chairman of the board of governors at the school.
3. the governor of the Bank of England
4. Wait here while I get the governor.

First Known Use of GOVERNOR

14th century