(2 syl ) To depute means to prune or cut off a part; deputation is the part cut off A deputation is a slip cut off to represent the whole (Latin, deputo )
If you are deputed to do something, someone tells or allows you to do it on their behalf. A sub-committee was deputed to investigate the claims. depute sb to do sth to tell or allow someone to do something instead of you (députer, from deputare , from putare )