Normally used for one of the two University officers, in early years known sometimes as rectors, appointed annually to represent the interests of the regent masters, and to maintain discipline. Their early responsibilities for the University finances devolved increasingly on the Vice-Chancellor. Deputy proctors were frequently appointed from the earliest times when the maintenance of order was particularly threatened, student discipline being the function for which proctors were for many centuries chiefly famous. It is customary these days for those who are to be proctors in the ensuing year to be sworn in as pro-proctors , and those who have finished their year as proctor to serve as deputy proctors.
