dean

dean · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A senior official in a university or college, often in charge of a faculty or students.

  2. 2.

    (Christianity) A senior clergyman in charge of a cathedral or collegiate church.

  3. 3.

    The senior member of a group or profession.

  4. 4.

    A male given name.

Forms

plural: deans

Related words

See also: principal, professor, provost
Synonyms: administrator, director, head

Etymology

From Old French deien, from Late Latin decanus meaning "chief of ten" (originally a leader of ten monks or soldiers), from Latin decem "ten."