ˈdepyəd.ē, -ətē, -i also ÷ -pə- noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French deputé, depute, past participle of deputer to appoint — more at depute
1. : a person appointed, nominated, or elected as the substitute of another and empowered to act for him, in his name, or in his behalf : delegate , representative
the hostess left for awhile but picked a deputy hostess to take care of things in her absence
each alderman has a deputy in the common council of London
specifically : a member of the lower house of certain legislative assemblies — compare general deputy , lord lieutenant , special deputy , viceroy
2.
a. : a second in command or an assistant who usually takes charge when his superior is absent
a deputy supervisor
a deputy editor
a deputy marshal
b. : deputy chief
c. : deputy sheriff
3. : one who supervises such matters as shoring and bratticing in an English coal mine