What is "heemrad"

Heemraad \Heem"raad`\, n.; pl. -raaden. [Sometimes, incorrectly, Heemraat or even Heemrad.] [D. heem village + raad council, councilor.] In Holland, and, until the 19th century, also in Cape Colony, a council to assist a local magistrate in the government of rural districts; hence, also, a member of such a council.