‖n. [ Chin. tao circuit + t'ai, a title of respect. ] In China, an official at the head of the civil and military affairs of a circuit, which consists of two or more fu, or territorial departments; -- called also, by foreigners, intendant of circuit. Foreign consuls and commissioners associated with taotais as superintendants of trade at the treaty ports are ranked with the taotai. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]