prolocutor

prolocutor

The prolocutor opens the meeting with a prayer.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A presiding officer or chairperson: "prolocutor" refers to a person who acts as the chair or presiding officer of a meeting, assembly, or ecclesiastical body, particularly in the context of the Anglican Church. This individual is responsible for guiding discussions, maintaining order, and representing the group.
Usage Examples
  • (A presiding officer for the church meeting.)
  • (The chairperson started the formal session.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Prolocutor of the Lower House": In the Church of England, the prolocutor is the elected chair of the Lower House of the Convocation, a legislative assembly.

    • The prolocutor of the Lower House presented the clergy's resolutions to the bishops. (The chairperson of the clergy's chamber delivered their proposals.)

  • Historical usage: In some contexts, "prolocutor" was also used more broadly to mean a spokesperson or representative, though this is now rare.

    • The village elected a prolocutor to speak on their behalf at the council. (A designated representative.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Prolocutorship (n): the office or position of a prolocutor.

    • He served a two-year prolocutorship with distinction. (He held the chairperson role for two years.)

  • Proloquial (adj): relating to a prolocutor or the act of presiding.

    • The proloquial duties included managing debates and votes. (Chairperson-related responsibilities.)
Synonyms
  • Chairperson: the person who presides over a meeting.
  • President: the head or presiding officer of an assembly or organization.
  • Moderator: someone who presides over a debate or discussion.
  • Spokesperson: a person who speaks on behalf of a group (historical sense).
Related Idioms

  • "To take the chair": to assume the role of presiding officer, similar to becoming a prolocutor.

    • She was asked to take the chair at the annual meeting. (She became the chairperson.)

  • "To hold the floor": to have the right to speak in a formal meeting, often under the control of a prolocutor.

    • The prolocutor granted him permission to hold the floor. (The chair allowed him to speak.)