The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Taotai \Tao`tai"\, n. [Chin. tao circuit + t'ai, a title of
   respect.]
   In China, an official at the head of the civil and military
   affairs of a circuit, which consists of two or more fu, or
   territorial departments; -- called also, by foreigners,
   intendant of circuit. Foreign consuls and commissioners
   associated with taotais as superintendants of trade at the
   treaty ports are ranked with the taotai.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl.]