(UK) An official appointed by the reigning British monarch to govern a Commonwealth realm as the monarch's representative.
2003, The Far East and Australasia 2003, Europa Publications, page 122,
The legislative power of the Commonwealth of Australia is vested in a Federal Parliament, consisting of HM the Queen (represented by the Governor-General), a Senate, and a House of Representatives.
An official in a similar position in other countries.
Nikolai Bobrikov served as governor-general of the Grand Duchy of Finland from 1898 until his untimely death in 1904.
2007, Taiwan under Japanese Rule, 1895—1945, Murray A. Rubinstein (editor), Taiwan: A New History, page 222,
In the meantime the Taiwan governors-general were gradually brought under closer supervision of the home government in Tokyo.