overseer

[ oh-ver-see-er, -seer ]

noun

1. a person who oversees; supervisor; manager:

   the overseer of a plantation.

   Synonyms: director, boss, head, chief

overseer

/ ˈəʊvəˌsiːə /

noun

1. Also called (less commonly)overlooker a person who oversees others, esp workmen
2. history short for overseer of the poor; a minor official of a parish attached to the workhouse or poorhouse

Other Words From

• sub·over·seer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overseer¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; oversee, -er ¹

Example Sentences

The potential funding stress is one factor that had prompted the index’s overseers to consider implementing the addition in two tranches.

From Fortune

The board of overseers asked her to testify in its case to determine whether he’d violated professional standards.

From ProPublica

After Kerwin showed her new lawyer the messages, he reported Letourneau to the board of overseers on June 15, 2016.

From ProPublica

The board of overseers told her it would give Dwyer-Jones a verbal warning.

From ProPublica

Board of overseers records do not indicate Mason faced additional cases of professional misconduct.

From ProPublica

He was the parish overseer for over 30 years, worked long hours in his garden, married a local girl and had three children.

From The Daily Beast

The man flushes and averts his face, as he passes a group of visitors clustered about an overseer.

From Project Gutenberg

The Padre Jose, who is the chaplain, is also the overseer of the estate; a combination of offices that I find is usual here.

From Project Gutenberg

Hoping to terminate the thefts, Johnny complained to the overseer, though without accusing Jack.

From Project Gutenberg

My repeated requests for assistance have been ignored by the overseer, who improves every opportunity to insult and humiliate me.

From Project Gutenberg

I remember there was wailing among the plantation hands, and Gadman the overseer had to use his whip to keep 'em quiet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• superintendent
• supervisor