n.
 (pl. deputies)
   - a person appointed to undertake the duties of a superior in the superior's absence.
- a parliamentary representative in certain countries.
- Brit. a coal mine official responsible for safety.
Phrase
  
    
      - by deputy
 historical by proxy.
 
  Derivative
  
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. depute, from late L. deputatus, past part. of deputare (see depute).