(in Scotland) the chief judge of a county or district.
〈史〉（苏格兰郡或区的）主要法官
Example sentencesExamples
Educated for the law, he obtained the office of sheriff-depute of Selkirkshire in 1799 and in 1806 the office of clerk of session, a post whose duties he fulfilled faithfully for some twenty-five years.
Lanarkshire is subdivided into three districts, called the Upper, Middle, and Lower Wards; each of which is under the particular jurisdiction of a sheriff-substitute, appointed by the sheriff-depute of the county.
In 1797 he married Margaret Charlotte Charpentier, daughter of Jean Charpentier of Lyons in France, and was appointed sheriff-depute of Selkirkshire in 1799.
Eventaully it became clear that the official duties connected with his appointment of sheriff-depute meant he would have to find a home in that area for himself and his young family.
Captain David Ross, sheriff-depute of Sutherland, found both women guilty and ordered that they should be burned to death the following day.
Synonyms
judge, magistrate, her honour, his honour, your honour