lieutenant-governor

The lieutenant-governor signs an official document in the state capitol.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Deputy governor of a province or state: In a federal system, a "lieutenant-governor" is an official who acts as the deputy or substitute for a governor, often presiding over the upper house of a state legislature or performing ceremonial duties.
   • Head of a British colony or territory: Historically, a "lieutenant-governor" was the chief executive officer of a British colony or dependency, appointed by the Crown to administer the region on behalf of the governor-general or monarch.

Usage Examples

• (The deputy governor performed a ceremonial duty.)
• (The head of a British territory.)

Advanced Usage

• "to serve as lieutenant-governor": to hold the office of deputy governor.

  • She served as lieutenant-governor for five years before becoming governor. (She was the deputy governor for that period.)

• "lieutenant-governor's warrant": a legal document issued by the lieutenant-governor authorizing a specific action.

  • The lieutenant-governor's warrant for the extradition was signed yesterday. (The deputy governor's official authorization.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lieutenant-governorship (n): the office or term of a lieutenant-governor.

  • His lieutenant-governorship was marked by economic reforms. (His period as deputy governor.)

• Lieutenant-governoral (adj): relating to a lieutenant-governor.

  • The lieutenant-governoral residence was renovated last year. (The official home of the deputy governor.)

Synonyms

• Deputy governor: a person who acts in place of a governor.
• Vice-regent: a representative of a monarch or governor in a territory.

Related Idioms

• "the lieutenant-governor's role": used metaphorically to mean a secondary but authoritative position.
  • In the company, he was the lieutenant-governor to the CEO's governor. (He held a deputy leadership role.)