01 n. A person who is appointed to superintend, or preside over, something; the chief magistrate in some cities and towns; as, the provost of Edi…
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1.
A person who is appointed to superintend, or preside over, something; the chief magistrate in some cities and towns; as, the provost of Edinburgh or of Glasgow, answering to the mayor of other cities; the provost of a college, answering to president; the provost or head of certain collegiate churches.
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2.
The keeper of a prison.[Obs.]
Phrases & compounds
Provost marshal —
An officer appointed in every army, in the field, to secure the prisoners confined on charges of a general nature. He also performs such other duties pertaining to police and discipline as the regulations of the service or the commander's orders impose upon him.