coroner

noun

Etymology: From Middle English coroner, from Old French curuner, from Medieval Latin custōs placitōrum corōnae (“guardian of the crown's pleas”). The function was originally to protect royal properties.

1. A public official who presides over an inquest into unnatural deaths, and who may have (or historically had) additional powers such as investigating cases of treasure trove.

   “The coroner confirmed the cause of death.”

2. A medical doctor who performs autopsies and determines time and cause of death from a scientific standpoint.

   “A report from the coroner was presented in court.”

3. The administrative head of a sheading.