— chairless , adj.
/chair/ , n.
1. a seat, esp. for one person, usually having four legs for support and a rest for the back and often having rests for the arms.
2. something that serves as a chair or supports like a chair: The two men clasped hands to make a chair for their injured companion.
3. a seat of office or authority.
4. a position of authority, as of a judge, professor, etc.
5. the person occupying a seat of office, esp. the chairperson of a meeting: The speaker addressed the chair.
6. (in an orchestra) the position of a player, assigned by rank; desk: first clarinet chair.
7. the chair , Informal. See electric chair .
8. chairlift.
9. See sedan chair .
10. (in reinforced-concrete construction) a device for maintaining the position of reinforcing rods or strands during the pouring operation.
11. a glassmaker's bench having extended arms on which a blowpipe is rolled in shaping glass.
12. Railroads Brit. a metal block for supporting a rail and securing it to a crosstie or the like.
13. get the chair , to be sentenced to die in the electric chair.
14. take the chair ,
a. to begin or open a meeting.
b. to preside at a meeting; act as chairperson.
v.t.
15. to place or seat in a chair.
16. to install in office.
17. to preside over; act as chairperson of: to chair a committee.
18. Brit. to carry (a hero or victor) aloft in triumph.
v.i.
19. to preside over a meeting, committee, etc.
[ 1250-1300; ME chaiere cathedra; see CATHEDRA ]
Usage. 5. See chairperson .