Proxy Is a Squeezed-Down Procuracy
A proxy is someone authorised to act for another. The word is what remains after English wore down a much longer legal term.
A proxy is a person authorised to act for another, or the authority itself. The word is a contraction of *procuracy*, from Latin *procurare*, to take care of — English squeezed a five-syllable legal term down to two, keeping only the first and last sounds. That kind of heavy contraction is rare in English and usually a sign of a word used constantly by clerks. Modern uses extend the idea: a *proxy server* stands in for your computer, and a *proxy war* is fought by stand-ins for the real antagonists.
- One who acts for another. *Vote by proxy.*
- A stand-in measure. *A proxy for wealth.*
- Proxy server — an intermediary computer. *A proxy server.*
- Proxy war — fought by stand-ins. *A proxy war.*
- Latin — *procurare*, to take care of. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | proxy | A proxy. |
| Plural | proxies | Proxies. |
| Full form | procuracy | Procuracy. |
| Related | procure | Procure. |
| Related | curator | A curator. |
- She voted by proxy.Authority.
- Income is a proxy for living standards.Measure.
- Traffic goes through a proxy server.Computing.
The curare family
- Proxy — one who takes care of matters for you
- Procure — to obtain by taking care of the arrangements
- Curator — one who cares for a collection
- Cure — care given to a patient, or to a parish
- Secure — free from care
A contraction of *procuracy*, from Medieval Latin *procuratia*, from Latin *procurare*, to manage or take care of.
What does voting by proxy mean?
Authorising another person to cast your vote on your behalf, according to your instructions.
What is a proxy war?
A conflict where major powers support opposing sides rather than fighting each other directly.