What is "locum tenens"

Locum tenens \Lo"cum te"nens\n. [L., holding the place; locus place + tenens, p. pr. of tenere to hold. Cf. Lieutenant.] A substitute or deputy; one filling an office for a time.

Medieval Latin, "one who holds the place (of another);" from locum (nominative locus; see locus) + tenens, present participle of tenere (see tenant).

n. A professional person (such as a doctor or clergyman) who temporarily fulfills the duties of another.

n. someone (physician or clergyman) who substitutes temporarily for another member of the same profession [syn: locum]