Waywode,
n. [Russ.
voevoda, or Pol.
woiewoda; properly, a leader of an army, a leader in war. Cf.
Vaivode.].
Originally, the title of a military commander in various Slavonic countries; afterwards applied to governors of towns or provinces. It was assumed for a time by the rulers of Moldavia and Wallachia, who were afterwards called hospodars, and has also been given to some inferior Turkish officers. [1913 Webster]