Legal Definitions - intendant

An intendant is a person who is in charge of a government agency. In France during the 17th and 18th centuries, an intendant was a royal official who was responsible for managing the administration of justice or finance.

One example of an intendant in 18th-century France was the intendant of the province of Brittany. This official was responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining public order, and overseeing the local courts.

Another example of an intendant was the intendant of New France, a French colony in North America. This official was responsible for managing the colony's finances, overseeing trade, and maintaining good relations with the indigenous peoples.

These examples illustrate how intendants were important government officials who had a wide range of responsibilities. They were responsible for managing finances, maintaining order, and ensuring justice was served.