or Pensioner, a person who has an appointment or yearly sum, payable during life, by way of acknowledgment, charged on the estate of a prince, company, or particular person.

Grand Pensionary, an appellation given to the first minister of the States of Holland. The grand pensionary is chairman in the assemblies of the states of that province; he proposes the matters to be consulted on; collects the votes; forms and pronounces the resolutions of the states; opens letters; confers with foreign ministers, &c. His business is also to inspect the finances, to maintain the authority of the states, and to see that the laws are observed; and he is perpetual deputy of the states general of the United Provinces. His commission is, however, given him only for five years; after which it is deliberated whether or not it shall be renewed; but there is no instance of its being revoked; therefore death only puts an end to the functions of this important minister.

Pensionary, is also the first minister of the regency of each city in Holland. His office is to give his advice in affairs relating to the government, either of the state in general, or of the city in particular; and in assemblies of the states of the province, he is speaker in behalf of his city. The function, however, of these pensionaries is not everywhere alike; in some cities they only give their advice, and are never found in assemblies of the magistrates, except when expressly called thither: in others they attend constantly; and in others they make the propositions on the part of the burgomasters, draw up their conclusions, &c. They are called pensionaries, because they receive an appointment or pension.