the meaning which underlies both applications is that of representative or delegate. du cange ("gloss, s.v. syndicus"), after defining the word as defensor, patronus, advocatus, proceeds "syndici maxime appellantur actores universitatum, collegiorum, societatum et aliorum corporum, per quos, tanquam in republica quod communiter agi fierive oportet, agitur et fit," and gives several examples from the 13th century of the use of the term. the most familiar use of "syndic" in the first sense is that of the italian "sindaco" (who is the head of the administration of a "comune", comparable to a mayor, and a government official, elected by the residents of commune.