from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Waywode \Way"wode\, n. [Russ. voevoda, or Pol. woiewoda;
properly, a leader of an army, a leader in war. Cf.
{Vaivode}.]
Originally, the title of a military commander in various
Slavonic countries; afterwards applied to governors of towns
or provinces. It was assumed for a time by the rulers of
Moldavia and Wallachia, who were afterwards called hospodars,
and has also been given to some inferior Turkish officers.
[Written also {vaivode}, {voivode}, {waiwode}, and
{woiwode}.]
[1913 Webster]