Definition

1. Noun:
   • A German nobleman ranking above a count: In the historical Holy Roman Empire and other German states, a margrave was a title of nobility, equivalent in rank to a British marquess.
   • The military governor of a frontier province: In medieval Germany, a margrave was originally a military commander appointed to govern and defend a border territory or march.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The margrave of Brandenburg held significant power in the region.
  • As a margrave, his primary duty was to protect the eastern frontier of the empire.

Advanced Usage

• "Margraviate": The territory or jurisdiction ruled by a margrave.
  • The Margraviate of Baden was an important state in southwestern Germany.

Variants and Related Words

• Margravine (noun): The wife of a margrave or a woman holding the rank of margrave in her own right.
  • The margravine was known for her patronage of the arts.

Synonyms

• Marquess (noun): A British nobleman of equivalent rank.
• Border count (noun, historical): A term describing the original military and administrative role.

Related Phrases

• "Margrave of...": A common construction used in historical titles.
  • Albert the Bear, Margrave of Brandenburg

Noun

1. a German nobleman ranking above a count (corresponding in rank to a British marquess)
2. the military governor of a frontier province in medieval Germany