Depute

Depute is a verb meaning to appoint someone to act as a deputy or representative; to authorize another person to perform duties on one’s behalf. As a noun, depute denotes a deputy or representative, especially in historical or regional usage where the term persists.

Etymology: the word comes from Old French deputer, from Latin deputare, meaning to appoint or designate.

Usage: In contemporary English, the verb depute is formal and relatively uncommon, with deputize or delegate as more frequent alternatives. The noun sense is chiefly found in Scotland and in historical or legal contexts, where it can refer to a deputy or substitute acting for a higher official, such as a judge or minister. In these contexts, phrases like “the depute” may be used to denote the deputy in question.

See also: Deputy, Deputation, Deputize.