Definition of "avoyer" in English

noun

1. (obsolete or historical) A chief magistrate of various free imperial cities or cantons of Switzerland.

   • the avoyer of Bern
   • the avoyer of Lucerne
   • 1809, Unnamed translator, Lazzaro Spallanzani, Travels in the Two Sicilies and Some Parts of the Apennines, in John Pinkerton, A General Collection of the Best and Most Interesting Voyages and Travels in All Parts of the World, Volume 5, page 717, The reigning avoyer, with a ſceptre in his hand, pronounces an harangue; then delivering up the ſceptre and ſeals, reſigns his dignity, and receives the thanks of the aſſembly, by the mouth of the attorney-general, for his zeal and attention during the year of his government.