burgess
Burgess (noun) means historically, a full citizen of a borough, or an elected representative of a borough in government. Example: “He served as a burgess in the colonial House of Burgesses.”
How to Use Burgess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA historical term for a citizen or elected representative of a town, still remembered from colonial American government.
Word Forms
burgesses plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He served as a _____ in the colonial House of Burgesses.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman burgeis, related to "borough" and "bourgeois", ultimately from a Germanic word for a fortified town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “burgess” mean?
The word “burgess” means historically, a full citizen of a borough, or an elected representative of a borough in government. In plain terms, a historical term for a citizen or elected representative of a town, still remembered from colonial American government.
How do you pronounce “burgess”?
“Burgess” is pronounced BURD-zhihs (/ˈbɜːd͡ʒɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “burgess” in a sentence?
Here is “burgess” used in a sentence: “He served as a burgess in the colonial House of Burgesses.”
What part of speech is “burgess”?
“Burgess” is a noun.
Where does the word “burgess” come from?
The word “burgess” comes from Germanic. From Anglo-Norman burgeis, related to "borough" and "bourgeois", ultimately from a Germanic word for a fortified town.
Is “burgess” a common word?
“Burgess” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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