ˌdepyəˈtāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin deputation-, deputatio delegation of powers, from deputatus (past participle of deputare ) + Latin -ion-, io -ion
1.
a. obsolete : appointment or ordination especially to an office
b. obsolete : commission 1a, warrant 2c
c. : an appointment as gamekeeper on an English estate often made as a way of giving hunting privileges
2.
a. : the act of deputing : the act of appointing a deputy or representative
b. : the office of deputy or delegate
3.
a. : a person or group deputed to act on one's behalf
the larger nations sent deputations to the peace conference
b. : a group acting as a unit
waved to a halt by deputations of rugged, villainous-looking men — Mollie Panter-Downes
a deputation of season-ticket holders protested to the management — O.S.Nock
• dep·u·ta·tion·al |depyə|tāshən ə l, -shnəl adjective