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The presiding officer of a [[committee]] or [[subcommittee]]. In the [[United States Senate|Senate]], chairmanship is based on seniority of the committee tenure, but a Senate may not chair more than one standing committee.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/chairman.htm US Senate Reference]</ref>

The presiding officer of a [[committee]] or [[subcommittee]]. In the [[United States Senate|Senate]], chairmanship is based on seniority of the committee tenure, but a Senate may not chair more than one standing committee.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/chairman.htm US Senate Reference]</ref>

The term "Chairman" has also been used in left-wing dictatorships such as Red China and the Soviet Union, namely for those within the top ranks of the hierarchy. Notable examples include Mao Zedong.

The term "Chairman" has also been used in left-wing dictatorships, particularly in Socialist states such as Red China and the Soviet Union, namely for those within the top ranks of the hierarchy. Notable examples include Mao Zedong and Vladimir Lenin.

In recent times, gender-equality groups have sought to "man-down" or neutralize the "man" in "chairman" by coining new positions such as "chair" or "chairperson" in lieu of "chairman."   

In recent times, gender-equality groups have sought to "man-down" or neutralize the "man" in "chairman" by coining new positions such as "chair" or "chairperson" in lieu of "chairman."