Encyclopædia Britannica, First Edition/Caimacan

CAIMACAN, or Caimacam, in the Turkish affairs, a dignity in the Ottoman empire, answering to lieutenant, or rather deputy, among us.

There are usually two caimacans, one residing at Constantinople, as governor thereof; the other attending the grand vizir, in quality of his lieutenant, secretary of state, and first minister of his council; and gives audience to ambassadors. Sometimes there is a third caimacan, who attends the sultan; whom he acquaints with any public disturbances, and receives his orders concerning them.