Also 6–8 advoyer. [Fr.: perh. connected with avoué; but the form has not been explained.] The French title of the first magistrate of some of the Swiss Cantons, dating from the time when their chief towns were free imperial cities. Used in Berne till 1794. Avoyership, the position or office of an avoyer.
1586. T. B., La Primaud. Fr. Acad. (1589), 588. In some places they have Advoyers, or Bourg-maisters, as in the Cantons of Switzerlande, and in the free Townes of Germanie, which acknowledge an Emperor.
1689. Burnet, Tracts, I. 25. In a competition for the Advoyer-ship.
1704. Addison, Italy (1733), 278. Avoyer, or Doge of the Commonwealth.
1707. Lond. Gaz., No. 4350/3. The Advoyer … of the Town of Berne.
1835. Penny Cycl., IV. 304. Berne … a schultheiss or avoyer was the chief magistrate.
