Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
Governors of Israel between Joshua and the kings
They were called of God, elective or usurpative. Qualification, martial or moral prowess. Rule arbitrary. Fifteen are recorded. Period, B. C. 1400-1091, about 310 years. Book of Judges, 7th of O. T., probably compiled by Samuel. Its history is that of a tumultuous period, completing Joshua’s conquests and leading to legitimate kingly rule.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Transliteration:
dikastes
Meaning:
from a derivative of 1349; a judger