Vicegerents

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An official who acts as a representative or agent of a sovereign or ruler in a specific region
2. A subordinate who exercises authority on behalf of a higher authority, often in governance or administration
3. A person appointed to perform duties or functions of a leader, particularly in colonial or imperial contexts

Etymology: "Vicegerents" is the plural of "vicegerent," a noun for someone who acts on behalf of a superior with delegated authority. The Latin source, "vicegerens," is built from "vice," meaning "in place of," and "gerens," the present participle of "gerere," meaning "to bear, carry out or manage." Put together, the sense is someone who carries out affairs in another's place, which explains why the term has long been applied to deputies of rulers and governors.

Synonyms: deputies, representatives