Definition of deputy

The word "deputy" has its roots in the Latin word "deputare," which means "to appoint" or "to entrust." In ancient Roman law, a "deputatus" referred to a person appointed by a magistrate or emperor to perform a specific task or duty. This Latin term was later adopted into Middle English as "depute," meaning "to appoint" or "to send in place of." Over time, the term "deputy" emerged to describe a person who held a position of authority or responsibility, often serving as a substitute or representative for a higher-ranking official. In modern English, a deputy can be a high-ranking official, such as a deputy mayor or deputy sheriff, or a lower-ranking officer, such as a deputy clerk or deputy manager. Throughout its evolution, the word "deputy" has retained its core meaning of "one appointed or authorized to act in place of another."