provost
UK: ˈprɒvəst | US: ˈproʊvoʊst
n. 1. A senior administrative officer in certain universities or colleges.
n. 2. The head of a chapter in a cathedral or collegiate church.
n. 3. (Historical) A mayor or chief magistrate in some European cities.
provost = pro<before> + vost<leader>
- pro<before>: From Latin prō- (forward, before, in front of).
- vost<leader>: From Latin positus (placed, positioned), via Old French provost (steward, chief). The evolution reflects a shift from "one placed in charge" to "leader."
Etymology Origin:
The word provost traces back to Latin prōpositus (one placed before others), combining prō- (before) and positus (placed). It entered English via Old French provost, originally denoting a steward or overseer. Over time, it specialized in academic and ecclesiastical contexts, retaining the core idea of a high-ranking administrator. The semantic thread ties "position of authority" to modern roles like university provosts or cathedral heads.
The provost announced new academic policies for the university.
As provost of the cathedral, he oversaw all ceremonial events.
In medieval times, the provost acted as the town’s chief magistrate.
She met with the provost to discuss faculty appointments.
The provost’s office handles disciplinary matters at the college.