The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vaivode \Vai"vode\, n. [Cf. F. vayvode. See Waywode.]
See Waywode.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Waywode \Way"wode\, n. [Russ. voevoda, or Pol. woiewoda;
properly, a leader of an army, a leader in war. Cf.
Vaivode.]
Originally, the title of a military commander in various
Slavonic countries; afterwards applied to governors of towns
or provinces. It was assumed for a time by the rulers of
Moldavia and Wallachia, who were afterwards called hospodars,
and has also been given to some inferior Turkish officers.
[Written also vaivode, voivode, waiwode, and
woiwode.]
[1913 Webster]