This is the 855th most frequent Dutch word.
schepen
"Ships" (plural of "ship") or "alderman" (municipal official), depending on context.
Here, 'schepen' is used as the plural form of 'schip', meaning 'ships'.
De schepen lagen in de haven.
The ships were docked in the harbor.
In this context, 'schepen' refers to council members or aldermen in a city's government.
De schepen van deze stad zijn verantwoordelijk voor verschillende openbare voorzieningen.
The aldermen of this city are responsible for various public services.
Here, 'schepen' again refers to 'ships', but with a specific historical context.