First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
chancellor
noun chan·cel·lor \ˈchan(t)-s(ə-)lər\
: the highest government official in Germany and Austria
: the head of some U.S. universities
: the head of a British university who represents the school but who does not have many responsibilities
Full Definition of CHANCELLOR
1
a : the secretary of a nobleman, prince, or king b : the lord chancellor of Great Britain c British : the chief secretary of an embassy d : a Roman Catholic priest heading the office in which diocesan business is transacted and recorded
2
a : the titular head of a British university b (1) : a university president (2) : the chief executive officer in some state systems of higher education
3
a : a lay legal officer or adviser of an Anglican diocese b : a judge in a court of chancery or equity in various states of the United States
4
: the chief minister of state in some European countries
— chan·cel·lor·ship \-ˌship\ noun
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Origin of CHANCELLOR
Middle English chanceler, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin cancellarius doorkeeper, secretary, from cancellus
Rhymes with CHANCELLOR
CHANCELLORSHIP Defined for Kids
chancellor
noun chan·cel·lor \ˈchan-sə-lər, ˈchan-slər\
Definition of CHANCELLOR for Kids
1
: a high government official (as in Germany)
2
: the head of a university
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