Which word describes an identity that can be filled by more than one individual, but only one at a time?

I'm looking for a word to describe a role or an office or something like that, which is filled by one person at once, but that person can change. Sort of "moniker" but in reverse. Think "James Bond" or Doctor Who", where the identity continues, even though the actual individuals change. When we say "The King is dead. Long Live the King", that's the idea - we can ask "Who is the King?", or we can say "He is Maclean of Maclean".

If Bruce Wayne got too old and stiff to be Batman any more, he'd pass his ___ [what?] to his protege.

I've thought of "Title" or Crown", but title has too many other meanings to be useful to me (and is "James Bond" a title anyway?). But its not a "Role" either - being King isn't a role!

So, I'm looking for a word which encapsulates this idea of transferable identity.

Any thoughts?

Solution 1:

Consider the possibility of mantle. The original meaning was of a cloak or similar garment that symbolized a position of authority. For example, in heraldry, royalty added a mantle behind the escutcheon to illustrate their royal authority.

Over time, the word took on a more figurative meaning of taking on responsibility, of bearing the weight of the mantle on one's shoulders. Consider the first of the definitions offered by M-W:

1 a : a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes : cloak

b : a figurative cloak symbolizing preeminence or authority accepted the mantle of leadership

I think it works for all of your examples, and more:

• Pierce Brosnan has taken the mantle of portraying James Bond.
• Little George will one day have the mantle of King of England.
• Bruce Wayne passed the mantle of Batman to Dick Grayson.
• Peter Capaldi held the mantle of Doctor Who quite well.
• Tim Cook, in his mantle as Apple CEO, has...
• etc.

Solution 2:

Preface

...added after-the-fact: I see that in the question I missed where you said:

But its not a "Role" either - being King isn't a role!

Due respect, yes, being king is a role. I'll leave the answer below, as it may suit others and I appear to have a fair bit of company on that point, but it's not going to be the answer you'll pick. :-)

Original answer

role would fit, though you'd probably use "the" rather than "his"

If Bruce Wayne got too old and stiff to be Batman any more, he'd pass the role to his protege.

oxforddictionaries.com: role

The function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation.

Collins: role:

(BrE) usual or customary function

(AmE) a function or office assumed by someone

Merriam-Webster: role:

a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process

Meta: Marking CW because frankly, if the OP says "role" in the question, posting it in an answer shouldn't garner rep...

Solution 3:

That word can be baton which is figuratively equivalent to the thing the players pass on in a relay race.

If Bruce Wayne got too old and stiff to be Batman any more, he'd pass the baton to his protege.

ODO:

baton
NOUN

1.1 A short stick or tube passed from runner to runner in a relay race.

‘Minutes later he was back to hand the baton to the next runner who set off towards Smithy Bridge as smiling onlookers applauded and yelled their support.’

pass (on) the baton [Phrase]

Hand over a particular duty or responsibility.

‘But after 18 years as head coach, Clive Marshall has passed the baton to John Bates and become director of rugby.’

Solution 4:

Pass the torch

"If Bruce Wayne got too old and stiff to be Batman any more, he'd pass the torch on to his ward, Justin Bieber."

Metaphor originally referred to ancient Greek torch racing, but is very commonly used to mean an elder person is stepping down and giving his responsibilities to another.

Also consider handing over the reins or, for the person accepting the responsibility, taking the reins. This metaphor refers to the literal handing of reins to a horse from one rider to another, thus passing on responsibility for the horse. It's more likely to be used for a company or piece of property than for a role however.

"If Bruce Wayne got too old and stiff to be Batman any more, he'd hand the reins over to his ward, Selena Gomez."

"Selena Gomez knew that once Bruce Wayne got too old, she would take the reins as Batman."

Solution 5:

office

2 A position of authority or service, typically one of a public nature.
‘the office of chief constable’

2.1 [mass noun] Tenure of an official position, especially that of a Minister of State or of the party forming the government.
‘a year ago, when the President took office’
‘he was ejected from office in 1988’

SOURCE