Representative \Rep`re*sent"a*tive\, n. [Cf. LL.
repraesentativus.]
1. One who, or that which, represents (anything); that which
exhibits a likeness or similitude.
A statute of Rumor, whispering an idiot in the ear,
who was the representative of Credulity. --Addison.
Difficulty must cumber this doctrine which supposes
that the perfections of God are the representatives
to us of whatever we perceive in the creatures.
--Locke.
2. An agent, deputy, or substitute, who supplies the place of
another, or others, being invested with his or their
authority.
3. (Law) One who represents, or stands in the place of,
another.
Note: The executor or administrator is ordinarily held to be
the representative of a deceased person, and is
sometimes called the legal representative, or the
personal representative. The heir is sometimes called
the real representative of his deceased ancestor. The
heirs and executors or administrators of a deceased
person are sometimes compendiously described as his
real and personal representatives. --Wharton. Burrill.
4. A member of the lower or popular house in a State
legislature, or in the national Congress. [U.S.]
5. (Nat.Hist.)
(a) That which presents the full character of the type of
a group.
(b) A species or variety which, in any region, takes the
place of a similar one in another region.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
|