local ruler; local lord
Historical term for a regional ruler or chieftain, often in pre-modern or colonial contexts. Not used in modern political discourse.
In 19th-century Africa, many local rulers governed their own territories.
Compound of 土 (do, 'land, local') and 侯 (kō, 'lord, feudal ruler'). The term appears in Meiji- and Taishō-era texts describing colonial territories.