In the narrower sense, Raadpensionaris was the title of the most important functionary of the estates of the realm of the province of Holland in the Republic of the United Netherlands from 1618 until its end in 1795. Prior to 1618, he bore the title advocaat van den lande or Land’s Advocate. After the late 15th century, as jurist, secretary, speaker, and sometimes emissary of the estates of Holland he became increasingly important, especially in communicating with princely and sovereign institutions. There were also similar officials with other titles (including syndikus and…