Staroste

Staroste had several meanings in the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. The word has its roots in slavonic where it has the meaning of elder. A staroste was the leader of a community.

In Moldavia the title was given to the administrators of border regions, such as staroste of Putna and staroste de Tecuci for the South-Western border region of the country, or Staroste of Cernăuţi and Staroste of Soroca for the Northern border region.

Both in Moldavia and Wallachia the leaders of the various guilds were also known as staroste or vătaf. In carrying out his duties, he was assisted by a council of twelve elders.

The name was also used for the leaders of other communities such as church councils.