1. A chief or headman in some southern African societies, particularly among Zulu and other Bantu peoples; a leader or administrator of a district or settlement.
Usage: chiefly historical; South African English; from Zulu and Xhosa languages

Examples

• The induna was responsible for collecting taxes and settling disputes in his district.
• Under colonial rule, the induna served as an intermediary between the colonial administration and the local community.
• The induna gathered the people to announce new regulations from the paramount chief.
• Each induna maintained order and organized communal labor in their respective areas.
• The induna's authority was recognized by both the people and the colonial government.