Definition

1. Noun:
   • The honorary or titular head of a university: A "chancellor" is often a ceremonial leader of a university, representing it at official functions but not typically involved in day-to-day administration.
   • The person who is head of state (in several countries): In some countries, such as Germany and Austria, the "chancellor" is the chief minister or head of government, equivalent to a prime minister.
   • The British cabinet minister responsible for finance: Specifically, the "Chancellor of the Exchequer" is the UK government minister in charge of financial and economic matters.

Examples of Usage

• As a university head:

  • The university chancellor presided over the graduation ceremony.
  • She was appointed chancellor of the state university system.

• As a head of government:

  • The German chancellor met with other European leaders.
  • The chancellor's coalition government proposed new legislation.

• As a finance minister (UK):

  • The Chancellor of the Exchequer will deliver the annual budget next week.
  • Questions were raised in Parliament for the Chancellor.

Advanced Usage

• "Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster": A senior British cabinet minister, often with responsibilities that vary depending on the government's needs.

  • The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster also oversees the Cabinet Office.

• "Lord Chancellor" (historical/UK): A former high-ranking officer in the UK, combining judicial, legislative, and executive roles. The role has been reformed.

  • The Lord Chancellor was once the head of the judiciary.

Variants and Related Words

• Chancellorship (n): The office, position, or term of a chancellor.

  • During his chancellorship, the university saw significant growth.

• Vice-Chancellor (n): The chief administrative officer of a university, responsible for its day-to-day operation.

  • The vice-chancellor implemented the new academic policy.

Synonyms

• Head of government: Prime Minister, Premier (for the governmental sense).
• Ceremonial head: Figurehead, President (for the university sense).
• Finance minister: Treasurer (for the financial sense, though not a direct equivalent to Chancellor of the Exchequer).

Related Phrases

• Chancellor of the Exchequer: The specific title for the UK's finance minister.

  • The Chancellor of the Exchequer is a key member of the Cabinet.

• To be appointed chancellor: To be formally given the position of chancellor.

  • The distinguished professor was appointed chancellor last year.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "chancellor." Its usage is primarily formal and titular.)

Noun

1. the honorary or titular head of a university
2. the person who is head of state (in several countries)
3. the British cabinet minister responsible for finance