1. A ruling prince or governor of Moldavia or Wallachia under Ottoman suzerainty, especially during the 15th–19th centuries.
Usage: historical; also spelled hospodor

Examples

• The hospodar of Wallachia maintained a delicate balance between Ottoman demands and local autonomy.
• During the 16th century, many hospodars were appointed directly by the Ottoman Sultan.
• The hospodar's court was a center of cultural and political influence in the region.
• Several hospodars attempted to strengthen their principalities against Ottoman expansion.
• The title of hospodar carried significant prestige among Eastern European nobility.