noun
also prae·pos·i·tus prēˈpäzəd.əs
( plural preposi·ti also praeposi·ti -ˌtī)
Etymology: Medieval Latin, abbot, prior, provost, from Latin praepositus director, chief, man in charge, from praepositus, past participle of praeponere to put in front, put in charge of — more at preposition
1.
a. : abbot
b. : prior 1a
2. : the head of a cathedral or collegiate chapter : provost