Definition of DEAN

dean

Meanings

Plural: deans

Noun

  • an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
  • United States film actor whose moody rebellious roles made him a cult figure (1931-1955)
  • a man who is the senior member of a group
    • "he is the dean of foreign correspondents"
  • (Roman Catholic Church) the head of the College of Cardinals
  • A senior official in a college or university, who may be in charge of a division or faculty (for example, the dean of science) or have some other advisory or disciplinary function (for example, the dean of students).
  • A dignitary or presiding officer in certain church bodies, especially an ecclesiastical dignitary, subordinate to a bishop, in charge of a chapter of canons.
  • The senior member of some group of people.
  • A hill.
  • Alternative form of dene.

Verb

  • To serve as a dean.
  • To send (a student) to see the dean of a college or university.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English den, deen (“dean”), from Anglo-Norman deen and continental Old French deien (modern French doyen), from Latin decānus. Doublet of doyen.

Synonyms

doyen, James Byron Dean, James Dean, provost

Scrabble Score: 5

dean is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
dean is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
dean is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 6

dean is a valid Words With Friends word