noun

deputy

deputy, substitute, representative, second-in-command

She is the deputy head of the department.

She is the deputy head of the department.

The sheriff sent his deputy to investigate.

The sheriff sent his deputy to investigate.

((as a title)) a person who is appointed to undertake the duties of a superior in the superior's absence He is the deputy manager.

Synonyms: substitute, delegate, representative, second-in-command

From Old French 'député', past participle of 'députer' meaning 'to appoint, assign'. So, 'an appointed person'.

A 'deputy' is someone who has been 'deputed' (assigned) to act on behalf of another person.

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