One who has the charge, management, or direction of some office, department, or public business. Used in the constitutional and statutory law of some European governments to designate a principal officer of state corresponding to the cabinet ministers or secretaries Of the various departments of the United States government, as, “intendant of marine,” “intendant of finance.” The term was also used in Alabama to designate the chief executive officer of a city or town, having practically the same duties and functions as a mayor. See Const Ala. 1901,