lieutenant governor

a state officer next in rank to a governor, who takes the governor's place in case of the latter's absence, disability, or death.

British. a deputy governor.

the executive officer of a Canadian province appointed by the governor general.

Origin of lieutenant governor

First recorded in 1585–95

lieutenant governorship, noun

This was accomplished by Athanase de Mzires, lieutenant-governor at Natchitoches.

The Colonization of North America |Herbert Eugene Bolton
From 1789 to '94, Mr. Adams was lieutenant-governor of his native state and from that time to '97, was governor.

Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution |L. Carroll Judson
He then commissioned one of them to convey to Acadia M. de Villebon, whom he was sending to that province as lieutenant-governor.

Count Frontenac |William Dawson LeSueur
Why, her great-uncle was a judge, and her second cousin was lieutenant-governor of the State.

A Pasteboard Crown |Clara Morris

George Carteret established himself as lieutenant-governor and bailiff.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 7 |Various

lieutenant governor

a deputy governor

(in the US) an elected official who acts as deputy to a state governor and succeeds him if he dies

lieutenant-governor (in Canada) the representative of the Crown in a province: appointed by the federal government acting for the Crown