del·e·gate 1 /'de-li-gət/ n [Medieval Latin delegatus, from Latin, past participle of delegare to appoint, put in charge]: a person empowered to act on behalf of another: as
a: a person who is authorized to perform another's duties under a contract
b: a representative to a convention (as of a political party) or conference
c: a representative of a U.S. territory in the House of Representatives
d: a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia
del·e·gate 2 /'de-li-ˌgāt/ vb -gat·ed, -gat·ing
vt
1: to entrust or transfer (as power, authority, or responsibility) to another: as
a: to transfer (one's contractual duties) to another
b: to empower a body (as an administrative agency) to perform (a governmental function) see also nondelegation doctrine
2: to appoint as one's representative
vi: to transfer responsibility or authority
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.