What does "by proxy" mean?

Answer by  drJ (841)

"By proxy" means "in place of. " It is simply saying that if you are unable to show up for a decision-making meeting (like a vote) then you have authorized a particular person to make a decision (or vote) on your behalf.

Answer by  Ginny (2251)

Something being done "by proxy" means that the person doing it has been authorized by another person to act for them. It means the person is acting as a substitute for another person. A person could be authorized to vote "by proxy" in someone else's place at a business meeting, for instance.