from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Selectman \Se*lect"man\, n.; pl. {Selectmen}.
One of a board of town officers chosen annually in the New
England States to transact the general public business of the
town, and have a kind of executive authority. The number is
usually from three to seven in each town.
[1913 Webster]
The system of delegated town action was then, perhaps,
the same which was defined in an "order made in 1635 by
the inhabitants of Charlestown at a full meeting for
the government of the town, by selectmen;" the name
presently extended throughout New England to municipal
governors. --Palfrey.
[1913 Webster]