taotai

Tao`tai", n. [Chin. tao circuit + t'ai, a title of respect.] Defn: In China, an official at the head of the civil and military affairs of a circuit, which consists of two or more fu, or territorial departments; --called also, by foreigners, intendant of circuit. Foreign consuls and commissioners associated with taotais as superintendants of trade at the treaty ports are ranked with the taotai.

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