Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Director

1. One who, or that which, directs; one who regulates, guides, or orders; a manager or superintendent. In all affairs thou sole director. (Swift)

2. One of a body of persons appointed to manage the affairs of a company or corporation; as, the directors of a bank, insurance company, or railroad company. What made directors cheat in South-Sea year? (Pope)

3. (Science: mechanics) a part of a machine or instrument which directs its motion or action.

4. (Science: surgery) a slender grooved instrument upon which a knife is made to slide when it is wished to limit the extent of motion of the latter, or prevent its injuring the parts beneath.

Origin: cf. F. Directeur.