Provost

(prov'ost.) [Contracted from L. præposit us, placed first.] Generally, one who presides over a community or institution; as, the provost of a college.-In Scotland, the title borne by the chief magistrate of a city or royal burgh:-it is equivalent to the English mayor. The chief magistrates of the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are styled Lord Provost.-Provost-marshal. (Mil.) An officer appointed to arrest and secure deserters and other offenders against military law, to execute the sentences of courts-martial, to regulate discipline, . [s. 737]