Main Entry: pro·vost

Pronunciation: \ˈprō-ˌvōst, ˈprä-vəst, ˈprō-vəst, especially attributive ˌprō-(ˌ)vō\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English profost & Anglo-French provost, from Medieval Latin propositus, alteration of praepositus, from Latin, one in charge, director, from past participle of praeponere to place at the head — more at preposition

Date: before 12th century

1 : the chief dignitary of a collegiate or cathedral chapter
2 : the chief magistrate of a Scottish burgh
3 : the keeper of a prison
4 : a high-ranking university administrative officer