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dean

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The definition of a dean is the head of a school department or church, or the senior member or expert of a group.

(noun)

An example of a dean is the head of a college of arts and sciences at a university.
An example of a dean is the expert in the field of anthrax; the dean of anthrax research.

See dean in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. the presiding official of a cathedral or collegiate church
2. R.C.Ch. a priest chosen by his bishop to supervise a number of parishes within the diocese
☆ an official of a school, college, or university, esp. one in charge of students, faculty, or a division of studies
1. the senior member of a particular group
2. an experienced and preeminent member of a group: the dean of American poets

Origin: ME den < OFr deien, dean < LL(Ec) decanus, chief of ten monks < LL(Ec), leader of ten < L decem, ten

Related Forms:

deanship noun

noun

a masculine name

See dean in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. An administrative officer in charge of a college, faculty, or division in a university.
b. An officer of a college or high school who counsels students and supervises the enforcement of rules.
Ecclesiastical The head of the chapter of canons governing a cathedral or collegiate church.
Roman Catholic Church A priest appointed to oversee a group of parishes within a diocese.
The senior member of a body or group: the dean of the Washington diplomatic corps.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English deen

Origin: , from Old French deien

Origin: , from Late Latin decānus, chief of ten

Origin: , from decem, ten

Origin: , or from Greek dekānos, chief of ten (from deka, ten); see dekm̥ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

deanˈshipˌ noun

American actor whose moody, rebellious persona in films such as East of Eden and Rebel Without a Cause (both 1955) made him a cult figure. He died in an automobile accident.

, Jay Hanna Known as “Dizzy.” 1911-1974.

American baseball player. A right-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals (1930-1937), he is best remembered for his 1934 season, in which he won 30 regular-season games, led the league in strikeouts, and won two World Series games.

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