PROVOST of a city or town, is the chief municipal magistrate in several trading cities, particularly Edinburgh, Paris, &c. being much the same with mayor in other places. He presides in city-courts, and, together with the bailies, who are his deputies, determines in all differences that arise among citizens.

The provost of Edinburgh, as well as all the other considerable towns in Scotland, has the title of lord; and the former calls yearly conventions of the royal boroughs to Edinburgh by his messives.