vicegerent noun & adjective. [vʌɪs'dʒɪǝr(ǝ)nt, -'dʒɛ-] M16.
[medieval Latin vicegerent, -gerens deputy, formed as VICE-, GERENT.]
A. noun.
1. A person exercising delegated power on behalf of a sovereign or ruler. M16.
b. gen. A person appointed to discharge the office of another. M16.
c. A ruler of a country etc. through delegated power. L16.

2. A ruler, priest, etc., regarded as an earthly representative of God or a god; spec. the Pope. M16.

3. A thing acting as a substitute. L16.
b. adjective. That is a vicegerent; characterized by or exercising delegated power. L16.

■ vicegerence noun (now rare) = vicegerency E16.

■ vicegerency noun (a) the (period of) office of a vicegerent; the fact of exercising delegated power; (b) a district or province ruled by a vicegerent: L16.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲