(Sax. profost, from the Latin propositus, placed before), is a name applied to the chief municipal magistrate in corporate towns or cities in Scotland, and corresponds to the English term mayor. He presides in civic courts, and with the bailies, who are his deputies, determines in all differences that arise amongst citizens. The word is seldom used in England, except when it is applied to the heads of certain colleges, such as Eton, King's College, Cambridge, &c.