deputy

The title of deputy often refers to a person given authorization to act on behalf of a higher-ranking individual in case of absences or vacancies, the title itself is oftentimes accompanied by the title or rank of their superior as is the case in 'Deputy Commissioner'. Deputies are associated with positions of authority within political, legal and executive contexts. A deputy may also refer to a person whose rank is immediately below that of the head of a department; it may furthermore be used to refer to a person who has been appointed or elected to a public office.