burgess

¹

[bur-jis]

noun

1. American History.,  a representative in the popular branch of the colonial legislature of Virginia or Maryland.

2. (formerly) a representative of a borough in the British Parliament.

3. Rare.,  an inhabitant of an English borough.

Burgess

²

[bur-jis]

noun

1. Anthony, 1917–93, English novelist and critic.

2. (Frank) Gelett 1866–1951, U.S. illustrator and humorist.

3. Thornton Waldo, 1874–1965, U.S. author, especially of children's books.

4. a male given name.

burgess

¹

/ ˈbɜːdʒɪs /

noun

1. 1. a citizen or freeman of a borough

   2. any inhabitant of a borough

2. English history a Member of Parliament from a borough, corporate town, or university

3. a member of the colonial assembly of Maryland or Virginia

Burgess

²

/ ˈbɜːdʒɪs /

noun

1. Anthony , real name John Burgess Wilson . 1917–93, English novelist and critic: his novels include A Clockwork Orange (1962), Tremor of Intent (1966), Earthly Powers (1980), and Any Old Iron (1989)

2. Guy . 1911–63, British spy, who fled to the Soviet Union (with Donald Maclean) in 1951

Word History and Origins

Origin of burgess¹

1175–1225; Middle English burgeis < Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to burg city (< Germanic ) + -eis < Latin -ēnsis -ensis; -ese

Word History and Origins

Origin of burgess¹

C13: from Old French burgeis , from borc town, from Late Latin burgus , of Germanic origin; see _borough

Example Sentences

"It's been my ultimate dream," Burgess, who has been an F1 fan since the age of two, tells BBC Sport at the Dutch Grand Prix.

From BBC

Gerrand was sentenced to eight years and three months and Burgess was jailed for seven years and four months.

From BBC

In Ingram, Erin Burgess woke to thunder and rain in the middle of the night Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

PC Stephen Smith told Southwark Crown Court that he did not see that Donald Burgess, 92, was disabled and in a wheelchair before he used Pava spray, and then a baton before making an arrest.

From BBC

Paul Jarvis KC, prosecuting, told jurors the officers made no attempt to talk to staff, and instead approached Mr Burgess, trying to interact with him.

From BBC

Related Words

• inhabitant 
• national 
• resident 
• taxpayer