The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.]
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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.
There was then [in the days of Jehoshaphat] no king in Edom; a deputy was king.
--1 Kings xxii. 47.God's substitute, His deputy anointed in His sight.
--Shak.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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A member of the Chamber of Deputies. [France]
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.