ˈaktə(r) also -ˌtȯ(ə)r or -ȯ(ə) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English actour doer, pleader, from Latin actor, from actus (past participle of agere to drive, do) + -or — more at agent
1. Roman law : one that conducts a legal action : pleader:
a. : plaintiff — opposed to reus
b. : an advocate in civil causes
c. : the officer of a Roman corporation charged with prosecuting lawsuits in its behalf and defending those brought against it
2.
a. : one that acts in a stage play, motion picture, radio or television play, or dramatic sketch
b. : a theatrical performer
a professional actor
c. : one that behaves as if acting a part
3.
a. : one that takes part in any affair : participant
the papers and memoirs of the leading actors are shedding new light on the inside story of government — J.A.R.Pimlott
b. : wrongdoer , tort-feasor