Mag"nate (?), [F. magnat, L. (pl.)
magnates, magnati, fr. magnus great. See
Master.] 1. A person of rank; a noble or
grandee; a person of influence or distinction in any sphere.
Macaulay.
2. One of the nobility, or certain high
officers of state belonging to the noble estate in the national
representation of Hungary, and formerly of Poland.