ALCALDE, the title in Spanish for officials of somewhat varied functions in which, however, there is always a judicial element. Alcalde de corte was a judge of the palace court, hav ing jurisdiction in and about the residence of the king. But the title is now exclusively used for the mayor of a town or village who discharges the functions of a justice of the peace. The title of alcalde must be carefully distinguished from alcaide (q.v.) which means the governor of a fortress.