provost
/provost/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A high-ranking university administrator: A senior administrative officer at a university or college, often responsible for academic affairs, faculty, and sometimes a specific division or campus. In some universities, the Provost is the chief academic officer, second only to the President or Chancellor. 2. (In Scotland) The chief magistrate of a burgh or city: The title for the head of a Scottish local council, equivalent to a mayor in other parts of the United Kingdom. 3. (Historical/Religious) The head of a chapter in a cathedral or collegiate church, or a senior member of certain religious orders: An official in charge of a cathedral chapter or a religious house.
Usage Examples
- University Administrator:
- The provost announced new initiatives to support faculty research.
- All academic department heads report directly to the provost.
- She was appointed Provost of the university's downtown campus.
- Scottish Magistrate:
- The Provost of Edinburgh welcomed the visiting dignitaries.
- He served as Provost of the small burgh for over a decade.
Advanced Usage
- "Provost Marshal": A title for a military officer in charge of police, discipline, and prisoners. This is a distinct, primarily military usage.
- The Provost Marshal was responsible for camp security.
Variants and Related Words
- Deputy/Associate/Vice Provost: Lower-ranking administrators who report to or assist the Provost.
- Pro-Provo (archaic/rare): A deputy provost.
Synonyms
- For University Administrator: Vice-Chancellor (in some systems), Chief Academic Officer, Dean (though typically of a smaller unit).
- For Scottish Magistrate: Mayor, Lord Provost (in major cities).
- For Religious Head: Dean, Prior.
Related Phrases
- Lord Provost: The title for the provost of certain major Scottish cities (e.g., Glasgow, Edinburgh), who also performs ceremonial duties.
- To serve as provost: To hold the office of provost.
Noun
- a high-ranking university administrator