deputy

Etymology

From French député, from Late Latin deputatus (“appointed”).

noun

1. One appointed as the substitute of others, and empowered to act for them, in their name or their behalf; a substitute in office.
   the deputy of a prince
   The deputy sheriff was promoted after his senior retired.
   As the deputy store manager, he is able to fire staff.
2. (mining, historical) A person employed to install and remove props, brattices, etc. and to clear gas, for the safety of the miners.
3. (France) A member of the Chamber of Deputies, formerly called Corps Législatif.
4. (Ireland) a member of Dáil Éireann, or the title of a member of Dáil Éireann. (Normally capitalised in both cases).
   Eamon Ryan is a deputy in the Dáil.
   At today's meeting, Deputy Ryan will speak on local issues.
5. (US) a law enforcement officer who works for the county sheriff's office; a deputy sheriff or sheriff's deputy; the entry level rank in such an agency.
   The sheriff's deputies took the suspect into custody.
   Deputy Jones was promoted to corporal today.
6. (government) The name for a member of parliament in some countries.
   The State Duma comprises 450 deputies.

verb

1. (informal, nonstandard) to deputise