\Heem"raad`\, n.; pl. {-raaden}. [Sometimes,
incorrectly, {Heemraat} or even {Heemrad}.] [D. heem village
+ raad council, councilor.]
In Holland, and, until the 19th century, also in Cape Colony,
a council to assist a local magistrate in the government of
rural districts; hence, also, a member of such a council.