Noah Webster
Proxy
PROX'Y, noun [contracted from procuracy, or some word from the root of procure, proctor.]
1. The agency of another who acts as a substitute for his principal; agency of a substitute; appearance of a representative. None can be familiar by proxy None can be virtuous or wise by proxy
2. The person who is substituted or deputed to act for another. A wise man will not commit important business to a proxy when he can transact it in person. In England, any peer may make another lord of parliament his proxy to vote for him in his absence.
3. In popular use, an election or day of voting for officers of government.