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

1. a high-ranking university administrator