deputation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a group of people appointed to represent others or present a request

   A deputation of residents met the mayor to oppose the road closure.

2. 2
   noun

   the act of appointing or authorizing a deputy or representative

   The statute permits the deputation of limited enforcement powers to local officers.

From Middle French deputation and Late Latin deputatio, from Latin deputare, 'assign or allot.' Deputare combines de- with putare, 'reckon, consider, prune'; the idea of setting apart for a task led to both the appointment and representative-group senses.

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