Ming dynasty county magistrates were usually seventh-rank officials.
Tips
history
From the Song dynasty onward, 知县 was the centrally appointed head of a 县 (county), the lowest tier of regular government administration. He was judge, tax collector, and civil administrator rolled into one.
usage
知 here means 'to manage / preside over', as in 知府 (prefect). Not the everyday 知 'to know'.
