deputy

plural deputies · alternative archaic deputee

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

   2 more examples

   The deputy sheriff was promoted after his senior retired.

   As the deputy store manager, he is able to fire staff.

   Synonyms: lieutenant, representative, delegate, vice, vicegerent, number two

2. historicalbusinessA person employed to install and remove props, brattices, etc. and to clear gas, for the safety of the miners.
3. governmentThe name for a member of legislature in some countries.

   The State Duma comprises 450 deputies.

   1. governmentA member of the French National Assembly.
   2. historicalgovernmentA member of the French Chamber of Deputies, formerly called Corps Législatif.
   3. IrelandcapitalizedoftengovernmentA member of Dáil Éireann, or the title of a member of Dáil Éireann.

      Eamon Ryan is a deputy in the Dáil.

      1 more example

      At today's meeting, Deputy Ryan will speak on local issues.

4. USgovernmenta 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.

   Deputy Jones was promoted to corporal today.

   1 more example

   The sheriff's deputies took the suspect into custody.

present singular third person deputies · participle present deputying · participle past deputied · past deputied · alternative archaic deputee

1. informalnonstandardto deputise