A "hetman" was a military leader or commander in various Eastern European countries, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. The term originated in the 15th century and was used to denote the highest-ranking officer in the army, often responsible for strategic decisions and battlefield leadership. In the context of Cossack history, the hetman was also a political leader, representing the interests of the Cossack communities. The role evolved over time, with some hetmans gaining significant political power, influencing the governance of their regions and engaging in diplomacy with neighboring states.