To depute; to appoint a deputy; to empower to act for another, as a sheriff.--Webster.
This word is not in any of the English dictionaries except one of the early editions of Bailey, where it appears in the preface among words in modern authors, collected after the dictionary was printed. Mr. Pickering remarks, that "the word is sometimes heard in conversation, but rarely occurs in writing, ... and that it has always been considered as a mere vulgarism." Since the publication of Mr. P.'s Vocabulary, this word has been adopted in general use, and cannot now by any means be considered a vulgarism.
They seldom think it necessary to deputize more than one person to attend to their interests at the seat of government.--Port Folio, Jan. 1811.