Deputy
WordNet
noun
(1) An assistant with power to act when his superior is absent
(2) Someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
(3) A person appointed to represent or act on behalf of others
(4) A member of the lower chamber of a legislative assembly (such as in France)
WiktionaryText
Noun
- One appointed as the substitute of another, and empowered to act for him, in his name or his behalf; a substitute in office; a lieutenant; a representative; a delegate; a vicegerent; as, the deputy of a prince, of a sheriff, of a township, etc.
- (in France): A member of the Chamber of Deputies, formerly called Corps Législatif
- (Ireland) a member of Dáil Éireann, or the title of a member of Dáil Éireann. (Normally capitalised in both cases)
- Eamon Ryan is a Deputy in the Dáil.
- At today's meeting, Deputy Ryan will speak on local issues.
Usage notes
Deputy is used in combination with the names of various executive officers, to denote an assistant empowered to act in their name; as, deputy collector, deputy marshal, deputy sheriff.
Synonyms
- substitute
- representative
- legate
- delegate
- envoy
- agent
- See also Wikisaurus:deputy