Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - burgess

 noun  Etymology: Middle English burgeis, from Anglo-French, from borc town — more at bourg  Date: 13th century  1.  a. a citizen of a British borough  b. a representative of a borough, corporate town, or university in the British Parliament  2. a representative in the popular branch of the legislature of colonial Maryland or Virginia BURGESS  I. biographical name Anthony 1917-1993 British writer  II. biographical name  (Frank) Gelett 1866-1951 American humorist & illustrator  III. biographical name Thornton Waldo 1874-1965 American writer