Definition

1. Noun:
   • Head of a former executive department: The "Secretary of Commerce and Labor" was the title for the head of a United States federal executive department that existed from 1903 until 1913. This cabinet-level official was responsible for overseeing matters related to both commerce and labor.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • President Theodore Roosevelt appointed the first Secretary of Commerce and Labor in 1903.
  • The department was split in 1913, leading to the creation of the separate positions of Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Labor.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Reference: This term is primarily used in a historical context when discussing the structure of the U.S. Cabinet in the early 20th century.
  • The role of the Secretary of Commerce and Labor was pivotal during the Progressive Era.

Variants and Related Words

• Secretary of Commerce (n): The head of the U.S. Department of Commerce, established in 1913.
• Secretary of Labor (n): The head of the U.S. Department of Labor, established in 1913.
• Commerce and Labor Department (n): The full name of the former executive department.

Synonyms

• Cabinet Secretary (n): A high-ranking official who leads an executive department and is part of the President's cabinet. (This is a general term; "Secretary of Commerce and Labor" was a specific instance.)

Notes on Meaning

This term refers exclusively to a specific historical government position. It is not used in a general or metaphorical sense. Its meaning is fixed by the historical period (1903-1913) during which the department existed.

Noun

1. head of a former executive department created in 1903 and divided into two departments in 1913