1. a German nobleman of high rank, originally a military commander of a border province
Usage: historical

Examples

• The margrave ruled over the frontier territory with absolute authority.
• During the medieval period, margraves were responsible for defending the empire’s borders.
• The margrave’s castle overlooked the strategic mountain pass.
• Frederick was appointed margrave of Brandenburg in 1415.
• The margrave collected taxes from all merchants crossing his lands.
• Many margraves eventually became independent rulers of their territories.