provost

A prévôt (French pronunciation: [pʁevo]) was a governmental position of varying importance during the Ancien Régime in France. Typically referred to a civil officer, magistrate, head of cathedral or church, it is often anglicised as provost. A unit of justice or court overseen by a prévôt was known as a prévôté. The title is still used on the island of Sark, part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, to refer to the executive officer of the court.