preside

Definition

To act as president or chairperson.

Etymology

From Old French presider, from Latin praesidēre (“preside”), from pre- (“before”) + sedere (“to sit”). Displaced Old English foresittan, which might have been a calque of the Latin.

Example Sentences

• "The firſt day of November was dedicated to the angel preſiding over fruits, ſeeds, &c. and was therefore named la mas ubhal, that is, the day of the apple fruit, and being pronounced lamasool, the English have corrupted the name to lambswool, a name they give to a compoſition made on this eve of roaſted apples, ſugar, and ale."
• "When all this was sailed through, there still remained the toolroom—a most efficient department presided over by a quiet man who was an expert on astronomy as well as jigs, tools and fixtures."
• "I’ll preside at the organ."