How Do You Spell MARGRAVE?

Pronunciation: [mˈɑːɡɹe͡ɪv] (IPA)

The word "margrave" is spelled with the silent "e" at the end. It is pronounced as /ˈmɑrgreɪv/. The "ma" is pronounced as "mar" with a long "a" sound, while "gr" is pronounced as "gray" with a long "a" sound. The "v" is pronounced as "vuh". The word refers to a medieval military officer, similar to a governor, who ruled a border province of a country. The word originated from the Old High German word "marka" meaning "border" and "graf" meaning "count."

MARGRAVE Meaning and Definition

  1. A margrave refers to a historical political and military title that originated in medieval Europe during the early Middle Ages. The term itself derives from the German word "Markgraf," which means "border count" or "march count." It originally denoted a nobleman appointed by a king or emperor to oversee and defend a specific border region, known as a march.

    In terms of governance, a margrave exercised authority much like a count or duke, governing over a margraviate or margravate. The authority of a margrave extended to both civil and military matters, as they were responsible for maintaining and protecting the borders against incursions from enemy territories. Thus, margraves usually wielded significant power and had military forces under their command.

    Throughout history, the title of margrave became more hereditary, often passing from one generation to the next within a specific noble family. Margraviates varied in size and importance, with some encompassing vast territories, while others held smaller regions.

    In modern times, the term margrave is mainly employed in medieval and historical contexts. The title itself is no longer actively used or recognized in the conventional political systems of today. However, understanding the role and significance of margraves is crucial in comprehending the feudal socio-political structures prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages.

  2. A German title of nobility.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MARGRAVE

Etymology of MARGRAVE

The word "margrave" derives from the Old High German term "marahgrāvo", which is a combination of the words "marah" (meaning boundary or border) and "grāvo" (meaning count). In medieval Germany, the title "margrave" was used to refer to a military commander or governor of a border region, often appointed to defend the frontiers of the Holy Roman Empire. Over time, the term evolved and gained broader meanings in various regions of Europe.

Similar spelling words for MARGRAVE

Plural form of MARGRAVE is MARGRAVES

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