Podesta \Po*des"ta\, n. [It. podest[`a], fr. L. potestas power, magistracy. See {Potent}.] [1913 Webster] 1. One of the chief magistrates of the Italian republics in the Middle Ages. --Brande & C. [1913 Webster] 2. A mayor, alderman, or other magistrate, in some towns of Italy. [1913 Webster]