In France, the office of , the temporal administrator for certain bishoprics, showed some connection. The most frequent translations in that connection are either advocate or lord protector. Modern Europe Poland In medieval Poland, a was a hereditary head of a town (under the overlordship of the town's owner – the king, church, or noble). In modern Poland, a is the elected head of a rural gmina, whereas heads of urban are called burmistrz (burgomaster), or president. Denmark In Danish, the word carries different connotations, all pertaining to guarding or keeping watch over something. In modern Danish law, the ( court) administers the forcible enforcement and execution of judgments or other valid legal claims. Finland The local bailiff (distrainer) is called , where (hundred) is a local judicial district. Their duty is to enforce the financial judgements of the local courts. In practice, the leads a team of assistant distrainers who process most distrainments/garnishments. Netherlands In modern Dutch, the word is the primary word for the concept of legal guardian. In historic texts, or in the feminine form is used, particularly as the main title of Margaret of Parma. See also Vidame Schultheiß References Further reading Charles West, "The Significance of the Carolingian Advocate", Early Medieval Europe 17 (2009), pp. 186–206 German feudalism Judges Medieval titles Titles of nobility of the Holy Roman Empire Feudalism Legal professions Catholic ecclesiastical titles Historical legal occupations