— candidacy /kan"di deuh see/ ; Chiefly Brit., candidature /kan"di deuh cheuhr/ , candidateship , n.
n. /kan"di dayt', -dit/ ; v. /kan"di dayt'/ , n. , v. , candidated, candidating .
n.
1. a person who seeks an office, honor, etc.: a candidate for governor.
2. a person who is selected by others as a contestant for an office, honor, etc.
3. a person who is deserving of or seems destined for a certain end or fate: Such a reckless spender is a candidate for the poorhouse.
4. a student studying for a degree: Candidates for the B.A. will have to meet certain minimum requirements.
v.i.
5. to become a candidate for service as a new minister of a church; preach before a congregation that is seeking a new minister.
[ 1605-15; candidatus clothed in white (adj.), candidate for office (n., in reference to the white togas worn by those seeking office). See CANDID, -ATE 1 ]