ETYM French intendant, from Latin intendere to direct (one's thoughts) to a thing. Related to Intend.
(Archaic) One who has the charge, direction, or management of some public business; a superintendent.
Official appointed by the French crown under Louis xiv to administer a territorial département. Their powers were extensive but counteracted to some extent by other local officials. The term was also used for certain administrators in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.