Vicegerent
/ˌvaɪsˈdʒɪərənt/noun
A person who acts as a substitute or representative for a ruler or authority.
Did you know?Medieval theologians and monarchs could be described as vicegerents of God, framing earthly authority as a delegated, almost sacred office.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
vicis
“A turn, change, place, or substitute role; the genitive form underlying vice.”
Classical Latin
Latin
gerere
“To carry, conduct, manage, or perform; the source of the participle gerens, “carrying out” or “acting.””
Late Latin
Latin
vice gerens
“Acting in place of another; literally, “one carrying out [a role] in place.””
Medieval Latin
Latin
vicegerens
“A representative or deputy exercising another person’s authority.”
15th Century
English
vicegerent
“A deputy or substitute acting with delegated authority, especially for a monarch or God.”
Modern English
English
vicegerent
“A formal term for an agent, deputy, or representative acting on behalf of a superior.”