HETMAN  (a

Polish word, probably derived from the Ger . Hauptrnann, head-man or captain; the Russian form is ataman), a military title formerly in use in Poland; the Hetman Wielki, or Great Hetman, was the chief of the armed forces of the nation, and commanded in the field, except when the king was present in person . The office was abolished in 1792 . From Poland the word was introduced into Russia, in the form ataman, and was adopted by the Cossacks, as a title for their head, who was practically an independent prince, when under the suzerainty of Poland . After the acceptance of Russian rule 415 by the Cossacks in 1654, the post was shorn of its power . The title of "ataman " or "hetman of all the Cossacks " is held by the Cesarevitch . " Ataman " or " hetman " is also the name of the elected elder of the stanitsa, the unit of Cossack administration .