actor

plural actors · alternative uncommon acter · alternative obsolete actour

1. obsoletelawSomeone who institutes a legal suit; a plaintiff or complainant.First known use 13th–19th c.

   Synonyms: complainant, plaintiff

2. obsoleteSomeone acting on behalf of someone else; a guardian.First known use 14th–18th c.
3. Someone or something that takes part in some action; a doer, an agent.First known use 15th c.

   Mr. Clay had been too prominent an actor in public affairs to allow whig deception and misrepresentation a fair opportunity for successful action.

   1852 February 8, “Reminiscences”, in The Daily Union (Washington), page 2

   2 more examples

   A man may be principal in an offence in two degrees. A principal, in the first degree, is he that is the actor, or absolute perpetrator of the crime; and, in the second degree, he who is present, aiding, and abetting the fact to be done.

   1769, William Blackstone, Commentaries on the laws of England^(https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AWilliam_Blackstone%2C_Commentaries_on_the_Laws_of_England_(1st_ed%2C_1769%2C_vol_IV).pdf&page=48)

   Never, my dear Bethel, did the most feverish dreams of fiction produce scenes more painful, or more terrific, than the real events to which I have been an actor, since the date of my last letter.

   1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 373

   Synonyms: participant

4. A person who acts a part in a theatrical play or (later) in film or television; a dramatic performer.First known use 16th c.

   "I'm an actress -- actor, as we have to say these days."

   2010, Peter Corris, Torn Apart, Allen and Unwin, page 88

   2 more examples

   Seems like everyone's an actor / Or they're an actor's best friend / I wonder what was wrong to begin with / That they should all have to pretend

   1991, Ani DiFranco, “Anticipate”, in Not So Soft

   Exactly. Marijuana is something we just all gradually decided is okay, like Mark Wahlberg as a serious actor. “You know what? Sure, I’ve decided I’m fine with that.”

   2017 April 2, “Marijuana”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 4, episode 7, John Oliver (actor), via HBO

   Synonyms: performer, player, doer

5. Ancient RomeobsoleteAn advocate or proctor in civil courts or causes.First known use 16th–19th c.
6. grammarThe subject performing the action of a verb.First known use 18th c.
7. computingThe entity that performs a role (in use case analysis).

   Synonyms: role