n. [ L. substitutio: cf. F. substitution. ] 1. The act of substituting or putting one person or thing in the place of another; as, the substitution of an agent, attorney, or representative to act for one in his absense; the substitution of bank notes for gold and silver as a circulating medium. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The state of being substituted for another. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The office or authority of one acting for another; delegated authority. [ R. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. (Civil Law) The designation of a person in a will to take a devise or legacy, either on failure of a former devisee or legatee by incapacity or unwillingness to accept, or after him. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. (Theol.) The doctrine that Christ suffered vicariously, being substituted for the sinner, and that his sufferings were expiatory. [ 1913 Webster ]
6. (Chem.) The act or process of substituting an atom or radical for another atom or radical; metathesis; also, the state of being so substituted. See Metathesis. [ 1913 Webster ]