[Ger-Poland-Volhynia] German Word Definition

[gpvjem]

    In German Lutheran church records from Poland, frequently I find the word
"soltys" following the name of a witness for a birth/christening.
    I have not been able to find the word in any of the German translation
aids I have nor in my German-English dictionary (Oxford-Duden).
    Can anyone provide a translation or a meaning for the word please?  My
curiousity is getting the better of me.

With thanks,
John Marsch