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surrogate

Syllabification: (sur·ro·gate)
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Definition of surrogate

noun

  • a substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office:she was regarded as the surrogate for the governor during his final illness
  • (in the Christian Church) a bishop’s deputy who grants marriage licenses.
  • a judge in charge of probate, inheritance, and guardianship.

Origin:

early 17th century: from Latin surrogatus, past participle of surrogare 'elect as a substitute', from super- 'over' + rogare 'ask'

surrogate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of surrogate in the British & World English dictionary
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