I. ˈcher noun
Etymology: Middle English chaiere, from Anglo-French, from Latin cathedra, from Greek kathedra, from kata- cata- + hedra seat — more at sit
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : a seat typically having four legs and a back for one person
b. : electric chair — used with the
2.
a. : an official seat or a seat of authority, state, or dignity
b. : an office or position of authority or dignity
c. : professorship
holds a university chair
d. : chairman 1
3. : a sedan chair
4. : a position of employment usually of one occupying a chair or desk ; specifically : the position of a player in an orchestra or band
5. : any of various devices that hold up or support
II. transitive verb
Date: 1552
1. : to install in office
2. chiefly British : to carry on the shoulders in acclaim
we chair ed you through the market place — A. E. Housman
3. : to preside as chairman of