The highest-ranking representative of the British Crown in a dominion or major colony, combining executive authority with ceremonial duties. This position evolved from military command to constitutional head of government in Commonwealth nations.
From 'governor' (from Latin 'gubernator,' meaning helmsman) combined with 'general' to indicate supreme authority. The title emerged in the 17th century to distinguish the highest colonial administrator from regional governors, becoming central to British imperial administration and later Commonwealth governance.
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