capitoul
/ˌkapɪˈtuːl/Now historical
noun
(The title of) any one of the municipal magistrates of Toulouse in south-west France. Chiefly in plural with the.
- The capitouls (usually between eight and twelve in number) formed the municipal council of Toulouse from the 12th cent. until the office was abolished in 1789..
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Edward Grimeston (fl. 1604–1634), translator. From French capitoul one of the municipal magistrates of Toulouse from Occitan capitoul municipal council of Toulouse, one of its members, specific use of capitoul chapter, town council from classical Latin capitulum, in its post-classical Latin senses ‘chapter, chapter house, guildhall’.