Heemraad \Heem"raad`\, n.; pl. -raaden. [Sometimes, incorrectly, Heemraat or even Heemrad.]

[D. heem village + raad council, councilor.]

In Holland, and, until the 19th century, also in Cape Colony, a council to assist a local magistrate in the government of rural districts; hence, also, a member of such a council.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)