The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Heemraad \Heem"raad`\, n.; pl. -raaden. [Sometimes,
   incorrectly, Heemraat or even Heemrad.] [D. heem village
   + raad council, councilor.]
   In Holland, and, until the 19th century, also in Cape Colony,
   a council to assist a local magistrate in the government of
   rural districts; hence, also, a member of such a council.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl.]