Definition of "depute" [de•pute]

• To appoint or authorize as an agent or a representative. (verb-transitive)
• To assign (authority or duties) to another; delegate. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Previously, concerns had been raised that the best teachers were quickly promoted to posts such as depute head, which took them away from pupils."
• "Fiscal depute Elaine Lynch said: “The accused got to his feet and was standing over the police officer exposing his penis and thrusting it in her face, forcing her to take evasive action to avoid getting struck.”"
• "Referring to Edinburgh's decision, Graeme Kirkpatrick, the union's depute president, said: A £36,000 degree is both staggering and ridiculous."