deputy

dep-u-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person appointed to act on behalf of another, especially in an official capacity.

  2. 2.

    A law enforcement officer, especially one under a sheriff.

  3. 3.

    A member of a parliament or legislative body in some countries.

  4. 4.

    Acting in place of a superior; second-in-command.

Related words

Antonyms: chief, principal
See also: assistant, deputies, sheriff
Synonyms: assistant, representative, second-in-command, substitute

Etymology

From Old French depute, past participle of deputer (to deputize, assign), from Latin deputare (to cut off, esteem, consider, destine), from de- + putare (to think, consider). First recorded in English in the 15th century.