SATRAPS.RV [Note: Revised Version.] tr. [Note: translate or translation.] of ăchashdarpĕnîm, Ezr_8:35, Est_3:12; Est_8:9; Est_9:3 (AV [Note: Authorized Version.] lieutenants), Dan_3:2-3; Dan_3:27; Dan_6:1 ff. (AV [Note: Authorized Version.] princes). The term stands for the Pers. khshatrapâvan (= protectors of the realm). The satrap was the governor of a whole province, and be held the position of a vassal king. His power, however, was checked by the presence of a royal scribe, whose duty it was to report to the great king on the administration of the province.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
sā?traps, sat?raps (אחשׁדּרפּנים, 'ăḥashdarpenı̄m, Ezr_8:36; Est_3:12; Est_8:9; Est_9:3, the King James Version ?lieutenants?; Dan_3:2, Dan_3:3, Dan_3:27; Dan_6:1 ff, the King James Version ?princes?): The viceroys or vassal rulers to whom was entrusted the government of the provinces in the Persian empire. The word answers to the Old Persian khshathrapāvan, ?protectors of the realm.?
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.