Pres"i*dent , n. [F. président, 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.
Pres"i*dent , a.
Occupying the first rank or chief
place; having the highest authority; presiding. [R.]
His angels president
In every province.
Milton.
Pres"i*dent (?), n.
Precedent. [Obs.]
Bacon.
Hear it pronounced