/ ˌdepjuˈteɪʃn; NAmE / noun
[ C +sing./pl. v . ] a small group of people who are asked or allowed to act or speak for others
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense appointment to an office or function ): from late Latin deputatio(n-) , from the verb deputare consider to be, assign, from de- away + putare consider.