Burgess
/ˈbɜːrɡɪs/
nounIntermediateRareLegal
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A citizen or resident of a borough, especially one having certain rights and privileges.
/ˈbɜːrɡɪs/
nounneutralIntermediate
Legal
Freeman of a borough
The burgesses of the town petitioned the king for more rights.
💡 Simply: A person who lives in and has rights in a town.
More Examples
2
Historically, burgesses played a vital role in local governance.
How It's Used
Historical
"In medieval England, burgesses held significant political power within their boroughs."
From Old French *burgeis, from bourg 'borough, town'. Originally referred to a freeman of a borough, later extended to include inhabitants.
The word 'burgess' was commonly used in historical texts to refer to the inhabitants of boroughs and their role in governance.
Memory tip
Think 'borough' and 'citizen' combined.
Practice
burgesburguess
Usage
5%Spoken
95%Written