The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
deputy \dep"u*ty\ (d[e^]p"[-u]*t[y^]), n.; pl. Deputies
(d[e^]p"[-u]*t[i^]z). [F. d['e]put['e], fr. LL. deputatus.
See Depute.]
1. One appointed as the substitute of another, and empowered
to act for him, in his name or his behalf; a substitute in
office; a lieutenant; a representative; a delegate; a
vicegerent; as, the deputy of a prince, of a sheriff, of a
township, etc.
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There was then [in the days of Jehoshaphat] no king
in Edom; a deputy was king. --1 Kings
xxii. 47.
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God's substitute,
His deputy anointed in His sight. --Shak.
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Note: Deputy is used in combination with the names of various
executive officers, to denote an assistant empowered to
act in their name; as, deputy collector, deputy
marshal, deputy sheriff.
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2. A member of the Chamber of Deputies. [France]
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Chamber of Deputies, one of the two branches of the French
legislative assembly; -- formerly called Corps
L['e]gislatif. Its members, called deputies, are elected
by the people voting in districts.
Syn: Substitute; representative; legate; delegate; envoy;
agent; factor.
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