Pres"i*dent (?), n.
Precedent.
[Obs.]
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.
Pres"i*dent, a.
Occupying the first rank or chief place; having the highest authority; presiding.
[R.]
His angels president
In every province.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.
Pres"i*dent, n. [F. pr'esident, L. praesidens, -entis, p. pr. of praesidere. See Preside.]
1.
One who is elected or appointed to preside; a presiding officer, as of a legislative body.
Specifically: (a)
The chief officer of a corporation, company, institution, society, or the like
. (b)
The chief executive officer of the government in certain republics; as, the president of the United States.
2.
A protector; a guardian; a presiding genius
. [Obs.]
Just Apollo, president of verse.
Waller.
© Webster 1913.