locum tenens

[ loh-kuhm tee-nenz, ten-inz ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

, plural lo·cum te·nen·tes [loh, -k, uh, m t, uh, -, nen, -teez].

1. a temporary substitute, especially for a doctor or member of the clergy.

locum tenens

/ ˈləʊkəm ˈtiːnɛnz /

noun

1. a person who stands in temporarily for another member of the same profession, esp for a physician, chemist, or clergyman Often shortened tolocum

Other Words From

• lo·cum-te·nen·cy [loh-k, uh, m-, tee, -n, uh, n-see, -, ten, -, uh, n-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of locum tenens¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Medieval Latin locum tenēns “holding the place”

Word History and Origins

Origin of locum tenens¹

C17: Medieval Latin: (someone) holding the place (of another)

Example Sentences

If there was no son capable, the state put in a locum tenens, but granted one-third to the wife to maintain herself and children.

From Project Gutenberg

Stibbler, stib′lėr, n. one who cuts the handfuls left by the reaper: a clerical locum tenens.

From Project Gutenberg

A young clergyman, recently come from England as locum tenens to an absent vicar, was then at Manly Beach with his wife.

From Project Gutenberg

A locum tenens had previously received two guineas a week, now he received eight, nine, or even twelve.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir W. Robertson thereupon called me in to act as locum tenens.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• backup
• replacement
• stand-in
• surrogate