noun

margrave

MAR-grayv

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Margrave (noun) means a feudal military and administrative officer who governed a border region in the Carolingian empire and later states. Example: “The margrave was granted the border province in return for defending it.”

noun

historical A feudal military and administrative officer who governed a border region in the Carolingian empire and later states.

"The margrave was granted the border province in return for defending it."

"Chroniclers described how the margrave raised troops to guard the frontier."

"The title of margrave carried both military and administrative duties."

historical A hereditary ruling prince in certain feudal states of the Holy Roman Empire, a title later equivalent to marquis.

"The margrave ruled his territory much like other princes of the empire."

"Historians trace the margrave's family line back several centuries."

"The margrave's court became a centre for regional politics."

How to use margrave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt's an old European title for someone who ruled or defended a border region.

When to use it

It only appears in historical writing about medieval and feudal Europe.

Memory tip

Link it to marquis in your mind, since the two titles describe closely related ranks.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

landgrave marquis →

Common pairings

the margrave of a margrave's territory title of margrave

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “margrave” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ was granted the border province in return for defending it.

Etymology

The word comes from Middle Dutch marcgrāve, related to Old High German marcgrāvo. It is ultimately built from a Proto-Germanic word for a boundary and another for a military rank, which itself traces back to Latin graphio.

Origin: Middle Dutch

Rhymes for margrave

ave gave save have wave cave nave pave rave fave Dave weave

See all rhymes for margrave →

Frequently asked questions

What is a margrave?

It is a historical title for an officer or prince who governed a border territory in the Carolingian empire and later in parts of the Holy Roman Empire.

Is margrave the same as marquis?

The two titles are related, since the hereditary margrave title later became known as marquis or marquess.

Is margrave still used today?

No, it is a historical title tied to medieval and early modern feudal states rather than a modern office.

What is the meaning of margrave?

"margrave" (noun) means a feudal military and administrative officer who governed a border region in the Carolingian empire and later states.