Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Burgess
Bur′gess
,Noun.
1.
An inhabitant of a borough or walled town, or one who possesses a tenement therein; a citizen or freeman of a borough.
Blackstone.
☞ “A burgess of a borough corresponds with a citizen of a city.”
Burrill.
2.
One who represents a borough in Parliament.
3.
A magistrate of a borough.
4.
An inhabitant of a Scotch burgh qualified to vote for municipal officers.
☞ Before the Revolution, the representatives in the popular branch of the legislature of Virginia were called burgesses; they are now called delegates.
Burgess oath
. See
Burgher
, 2.Webster 1828 Edition
Burgess
BURG'ESS
,Noun.
1.
An inhabitant of a borough, or walled town; or one who possesses a tenement therein; a citizen or freeman of a borough.2.
A representative of a borough in parliament.3.
A magistrate of certain towns.4.
Before the revolution, the representatives in the popular branch of the legislature of Virginia, were called burgesses, as the House of Burgesses. It is now called the House of Delegate.