deanship

noun

1. 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
2. ☆ an official of a school, college, or university, esp. one in charge of students, faculty, or a division of studies
3. 1. the senior member of a particular group
   2. an experienced and preeminent member of a group: the dean of American poets