Obs. [mod.L. epistatēs, a. Gr. ἐπιστάτης one who is set over, f. ἐπί over + στα- stem of ἱ-στάναι to set; in Athens, the president of the ἐκκλησία or assembly.] An overseer, a superintendent.
1651. Biggs, New Disp., 41. Where Reason sits sole Epistates.
1731. Bailey, vol. II. Epistates, a commander or person who has the direction and government of a people.
