Grand PENSIONARY, an appellation formerly given to the first minister of the states of Holland. The grand pensionary was chairman in the assemblies of the states of that province; he proposed the matters to be consulted on; collected the votes; formed and pronounced the resolutions of the states; opened letters; conferred with foreign ministers, &c. His business was also to inspect the finances, to maintain the authority of the states, and to see that the laws were observed; and he was perpetual deputy of the states general of the United Provinces. His commission was, however, only given him for five years; after which it was deliberated whether or not it should be renewed; but there was no instance of its being revoked; therefore death only put an end to the functions of this important minister.