Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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}.]