Dignitary \Dig"ni*ta*ry\, n.; pl. {Dignitaries}. [Cf. F. dignitaire, fr. L. dignitas.] One who possesses exalted rank or holds a position of dignity or honor; especially, one who holds an ecclesiastical rank above that of a parochial priest or clergyman.
dignitary n : an important or influential (and often overbearing) person [syn: {very important person}, {VIP}, {high-up}, {panjandrum}, {high muckamuck}]