term:

Deputy

deputy n

pl: -ties
[Middle French deputé person appointed to exercise authority, from past participle of deputer to appoint, depute]
1 : a person appointed as a substitute with power to act
2 : a second in command or assistant who usually takes charge when his or her superior is absent
;specif
: deputy sheriff

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.