Definition

1. Noun (Historical):
   • Grand dignitary of the court: A high-ranking official or mandarin in the historical imperial court of Vietnam, often entrusted with significant administrative or ceremonial duties.
   • Commissioner / Envoy: An official appointed to execute a specific command or duty on behalf of the sovereign.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nhà vua bổ nhiệm một vị hành khiển mới. (The king appointed a new grand dignitary.)
  • Vị hành khiển ấy phụ trách việc tiếp đón sứ thần. (That commissioner was in charge of receiving the envoy.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is archaic and is primarily encountered in historical texts, literature, or discussions about Vietnam's feudal administrative system. It conveys a sense of high authority and royal mandate.

Variants and Related Words

• Quan hành khiển (n): A more explicit term meaning "the mandarin acting as commissioner."
• Chức hành khiển (n): The title or office of a grand dignitary.

Synonyms

• Mandarin: A high-ranking official in historical Chinese or Vietnamese imperial courts.
• Dignitary: A person holding a high rank or office.
• Commissioner: An official in charge of a specific government department or duty.

Related Idioms

• While not a common idiom itself, the word may appear in classical Vietnamese idioms or proverbs related to courtly duty and authority, such as references to carrying out the king's will ().