Agent

8 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Agent \A"gent\, a. [L. agens, agentis, p. pr. of agere to act;
     akin to Gr. ? to lead, Icel. aka to drive, Skr. aj. [root]2.]
     Acting; -- opposed to {patient}, or sustaining, action.
     [Archaic] "The body agent." --Bacon.
     [1913 Webster]



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Agent \A"gent\, n.
     1. One who exerts power, or has the power to act; an actor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Heaven made us agents, free to good or ill.
                                                    --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. One who acts for, or in the place of, another, by
        authority from him; one intrusted with the business of
        another; a substitute; a deputy; a factor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. An active power or cause; that which has the power to
        produce an effect, such as a physical, chemical, or
        medicinal agent; as, heat is a powerful agent.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Biochem., Med.) a chemical substance having biological
        effects; a drug.
        [PJC]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  agent
       n 1: an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a
            certain effect; "their research uncovered new disease
            agents"
       2: a substance that exerts some force or effect
       3: a representative who acts on behalf of other persons or
          organizations
       4: a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for
          a commission [syn: {factor}, {broker}]
       5: any agent or representative of a federal agency or bureau
          [syn: {federal agent}]
       6: the semantic role of the animate entity that instigates or
          causes the hapening denoted by the verb in the clause
          [syn: {agentive role}]

From Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 [moby-thes]:

  275 Moby Thesaurus words for "agent":
     Charlie McCarthy, Federal, acid, acidity, acolyte, activator,
     actor, adjutant, administrator, advocate, agency, aid, aide,
     aide-de-camp, aider, alkali, alkalinity, alloisomer, amanuensis,
     amicus curiae, ancilla, anion, antacid, appliance, appointee,
     architect, assignee, assistant, atom, attendant, attorney,
     attorney-at-law, author, auxiliary, baggage agent, barrister,
     barrister-at-law, base, begetter, beginner, best man, biochemical,
     broker, business agent, buyer, candidate, catalyst, cation, cause,
     causer, channel, chemical, chemical element, chromoisomer,
     claim agent, clerk, coadjutant, coadjutor, coadjutress, coadjutrix,
     commercial agent, commission agent, commissionaire, commissioner,
     compound, conductor, connection, consignee, contrivance, copolymer,
     counsel, counselor, counselor-at-law, creator, creature,
     customer agent, delegate, deputy, device, dimer, directeur,
     director, distributor, doer, driver, dummy, dupe, effector,
     element, emissary, energizer, engenderer, engineer, envoy,
     executant, executive, executive officer, executor, executrix,
     fabricator, factor, father, fed, federal agent, force,
     freight agent, friend at court, front, front man, functionary,
     general agent, generator, go-between, governor, handler, handmaid,
     handmaiden, heavy chemicals, help, helper, helpmate, helpmeet,
     high polymer, homopolymer, hydracid, implement, impresario,
     ingredient, inorganic chemical, inspirer, instigator, instrument,
     instrumentality, instrumentation, insurance agent, intendant,
     interagent, interceder, intercessor, intermediary, intermediate,
     intermediate agent, intermediator, intermedium, internuncio,
     intervener, interventionist, interventor, ion, isomer, jobber,
     land agent, law agent, lawyer, legal adviser, legal counselor,
     legal expert, legal practitioner, legalist, legate, lever, liaison,
     licensee, lieutenant, link, literary agent, loan agent,
     macromolecule, maker, manager, manipulator, means, mechanism,
     mediary, mediator, medium, metamer, middleman, midwife, minion,
     minister, ministry, molecule, monomer, mother, mouthpiece, mover,
     negotiant, negotiator, negotiatress, negotiatrix, neutralizer,
     news agent, nominee, nonacid, official, ombudsman, operant,
     operative, operator, organ, organic chemical, originator, oxyacid,
     paranymph, paraprofessional, parent, parliamentary agent,
     passenger agent, pawn, performer, perpetrator, pilot, plaything,
     pleader, polymer, power, practitioner, press agent, prime mover,
     primum mobile, proctor, procurator, producer, proxy, pseudoisomer,
     puppet, purchasing agent, radical, reagent, real estate agent,
     rector, representative, responsible person, runner, sales agent,
     sea lawyer, second, secretary, selectee, self-styled lawyer,
     servant, sideman, sire, slave, solicitor, special agent, spokesman,
     spokesperson, spokeswoman, spook, spy, station agent, steersman,
     steward, stooge, subject, substitute, sulfacid, supercargo,
     supporting actor, supporting instrumentalist, surrogate,
     theatrical agent, ticket agent, tie, tool, toy, travel agent,
     trimer, undercover man, vehicle, walking delegate, wholesaler,
     worker
  
  

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  agent
       
           In the {client-server} model, the part of the
          system that performs information preparation and exchange on
          behalf of a {client} or {server}.  Especially in the phrase
          "intelligent agent" it implies some kind of automatic process
          which can communicate with other agents to perform some
          collective task on behalf of one or more humans.
       
          (1995-04-09)
       
       

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  AGENT, international law. One who is employed by a prince to manage his
  private affairs, or, those of his subjects in his name, near a foreign,
  government. Wolff, Inst. Nat. Sec. 1237.
  
  

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  AGENT, contracts. One who undertakes to manage some affair to be transacted
  for another, by his authority on account of the latter, who is called the
  principal, and to render an account of it.
       2. There are various descriptions of agents, to whom different
  appellations are given according to the nature of their employments; as
  brokers, factors, supercargoes, attorneys, and the like; they are all
  included in this general term. The authority is created either by deed, by
  simple writing, by parol, or by mere employment, according to the capacity
  of the parties, or the nature of the act to be done. It is, therefore,
  express or implied. Vide Authority.
       3. It is said to be general or special with reference to its object,
  i.e., according as it is confined to a single act or is extended to all acts
  connected with a particular employment.
       4. With reference to the manner of its execution, it is either limited
  or unlimited, i. e. the agent is bound by precise instructions, (q.v.) or
  left to pursue his own discretion. It is the duty of an agent, 1, To perform
  what he has undertaken in relation to his agency. 2, To use all necessary
  care. 3, To render an account. Pothier, Tr. du Contrat de Mandat, passim;
  Paley, Agency, 1 and 2; 1 Livrm. Agency, 2; 1 Suppl. to Ves. Jr. 67, 97,
  409; 2 Id.  153, 165, 240; Bac. Abr. Master and Servant, 1; 1 Ves. Jr. R.
  317. Vide Smith  on Merc. Law, ch. 3, p. 43,. et seq. and the articles
  Agency, Authority, and Principal.
       5. Agents are either joint or several. It is a general rule of the
  common law, that when an authority is given to two or more persons to do an
  act, and there is no several authority given, all the agents must concur in
  doing it, in order to bind the principal. 3 Pick. R. 232; 2 Pick. R. 346; 12
  Mass. R. 185; Co. Litt. 49 b, 112 b, 113, and Harg. n. 2; Id. 181 b. 6 Pick.
  R. 198  6 John. R. 39; 5 Barn. & Ald. 628.
       6. This rule has been so construed that when the authority is given
  jointly and severally to three person, two cannot properly execute it; it
  must be done by all or by one only. Co. Litt. 181 b; Com. Dig. Attorney, C
  11; but if the authority is so worded that it is apparent, the principal
  intended to give power to either of them, an execution by two will be valid.
  Co. Litt. 49 b; Dy. R. 62; 5 Barn. & Ald. 628. This rule applies to private
  agencies: for, in public agencies an authority executed by a major would be
  sufficient. 1 Co. Litt. 181b; Com. Dig. Attorney, C 15; Bac. Ab. Authority,
  C; 1 T. R. 592.
       7. The rule in commercial transactions however, is very different; and
  generally when there are several agents each possesses the whole power. For
  example, on a consignment of goods for sale to two factors, (whether they
  are partners or not,) each of them is understood to possess the whole power
  over the goods for the purposes of the consignment. 3 Wils. R. 94, 114; Story
  
  on Ag. Sec. 43.
       8.  As to the persons who are capable of becoming agents, it may be
  observed, that but few persons are excluded from acting as agents, or from
  exercising authority delegated to them by others. It is not, therefore,
  requisite that a person be sui juris, or capable of acting in his own right,
  in order to be qualified to act for others. Infants, femes covert, persons
  attainted or outlawed, aliens and other persons incompetent for many
  purposes, may act as agents for others. Co. Litt. 62; Bac. Ab. Authority, B;
  Com. Dig. Attorney, C 4; Id. Baron and Feme, P 3; 1 Hill, S. Car. R. 271; 4
  Wend. 465; 3 Miss. R. 465; 10 John. R. 114; 3 Watts, 39; 2 S. & R. 197; 1
  Pet. R. 170.
       9. But in the case of a married woman, it is to be observed, that she
  cannot be an agent for another when her husband expressly dissents,
  particularly when he may be rendered liable for her acts. Persons who have
  clearly no understanding, as idiots and lunatics cannot be agents for
  others. Story on Ag. Sec. 7.
      10. There is another class who, though possessing understanding, are
  incapable of acting as agents for others; these are persons whose duties and
  characters are incompatible with their obligations to the principal. For
  example, a person cannot act as agent in buying for another, goods belonging
  to himself. Paley on Ag. by Lloyd, 33 to 38; 2 Ves. Jr. 317. 11. An agent
  has rights which he can enforce, and is, liable to obligations which he must
  perform. These will be briefly considered:
      11. The rights to which agents are entitled, arise from obligations due
  to them by their principals, or by third persons.
      12 - 1. Their rights against their principals are, 1., to receive a just
  compensation for their services, when faithfully performed, in execution of
  a lawful agency, unless such services, are entirely gratuitous, or the
  agreement between the parties repels such a claim; this compensation,
  usually called a commission, is regulated either by particular agreement,
  or by the usage of trade, or the presumed intention of the parties. 8 Bing.
  65; 1 Caines, 349; 2 Caines, 357.
           2. To be reimbursed all their just advances, expenses and
  disbursements made in the course of their agency, on account of, or for the
  benefit of their principal; 2 Liverm. on Ag. 11-23; Story on Ag. Sec. 335;
  Story on Bailm. Sec. 196; Smith on Mer. Law, 56; 6 East, 392; and also to be
  paid interest upon such advances, whenever from the nature of the business,
  or the usage of trade, or the particular agreement of the parties, it may be
  fairly presumed to have been stipulated for, or due to the agent. 7 Wend.
  315; 3 Binn. 295; 3 Caines, 226; 3 Camp. 467; 15 East, 223.
      13. Besides the personal remedies which an agent has to enforce his
  claims against his principal for his commissions and, advancements, he has a
  lien upon the property of the principal in his hand. See Lien, and Story on
  Ag. Sec. 351 to 390.
      14.-2. The rights of agents against third persons arise, either on
  contracts made between such third persons and them, or in consequence of
  torts committed by the latter. 1. The rights of agents against third persons
  on contracts, are, 1st, when the contract is in writing and made expressly
  with the agent, and imports to be a contract personally with him, although
  he may be known to act as an agent; as, for example, when a promissory note
  is given to the agent as such, for the benefit of his principal, and the
  promise is to pay the money to the agent, oe nomine. Story on Ag. 393, 394;
  8 Mass. 103; see 6 S.& R. 420; 1 Lev. 235; 3 Camp. 320; 5 B.& A. 27. 2d.
  When the agent is the only known or ostensible principal, and therefore, is
  in contemplation of law, the real contracting party. Story on Ag. Sec. 226,
  270, 399. As, if an agent sell goods of his principal in his own name, as if
  he were the owner, he is entitled to sue the buyer in his own name; although
  his principal may also sue. 12 Wend. 413; 5 M.& S. 833. And on the other
  hand, if he so buy, he may enforce the contract by action. 3d. When,  by the
  usage of trade, the agent is authorized to act as owner, or as a principal
  contracting party, although his character as agent is known, he may enforce
  his contract by action. For example, an auctioner, who sells the goods of
  another may maintain an action for the price, because he has a possession
  coupled with an interest in the goods, and it is a general rule, that
  whenever an agent, though known as such, has a  special property in the
  subject-matter of the contract, and not a bare custody, or when he has
  acquired an interest, or has a lien upon it, he may sue upon the contract. 2
  Esp. R. 493; 1 H. Bl. 81, 84; 6 Wheat. 665; 3 Chit. Com. Law, 10; 3 B. & A.
  276. But this right to bring an action by agents is subordinate to the
  rights of the principal, who may, unless in particular  cases, where the
  agent has a lien, or some other vested right, bring a suit himself, and
  suspend or extinguish the right of the agent. 7 Taunt. 237, 243; 2 Wash. C.
  C. R. 283. 2. Agents are entitled to actions against third persons for torts
  committed against them in the course of their agency. 1st. They may maintain
  actions, of trespass or trover against third persons for any torts or
  injuries affecting their possession of the goods which they hold as agents.
  Story on Ag. Sec. 414; 13 East, 135; 9 B. & Cressw. 208; 1 Hen. Bl. 81. 2d.
  When an agent has been induced by the fraud of a third person to sell or buy
  goods for his principal, and he has sustained loss, he may maintain an
  action against such third person for such wrongful act, deceit, or fraud.
  Story on Ag. Sec. 415.
      15.-2. Agents are liable for their acts, 1, to their principals; and
  2, to third person.
      16.-1. The liabilities of agents to their principals arise from a
  violation of their duties and obligations to the principal, by exceeding
  their authority, by misconduct, or by any negligence or omission, or act by
  which the principal sustains a loss. 3 B. & Adol. 415; 12 Pick. 328. Agents
  may become liable for damages and loss under a special contract, contrary to
  the general usages of trade. They may also become responsible when charging
  a del credere commission. Story on Ag. Sec. 234.
      17.-2. Agents become liable to third persons; 1st, on their contract;
  1, when the agent, undertakes to do an act for another, and does not possess
  a sufficient authority from the principal, and that is unknown to the other
  party, he will be considered as having acted for himself as a principal. 3
  B. 9 Adol. 114. 2. When the agent does not disclose his agency, he will be
  considered as a principal; 2 Ep. R. 667; 15 East, 62; 12 Ves. 352; 16
  Martin's R. 530; and, in the case of agents or factors, acting for merchants
  in a foreign country, they will be considered liable whether they disclose
  their principal or not, this being the usage of the trade; Paley on Ag. by
  Lloyd, 248, 373; 1 B.& P. 368; but this presumption may be rebutted by proof
  of a contrary agreement. 3. The agent will be liable when he expressly, or
  by implication, incurs a personal responsibility. Story on Ag. Sec. 156-159.
  4. When the agent makes a contract as such, and there is no other
  responsible as principal, to whom resort can be had; as, if a man sign a
  note as "guardian of AB," an infant; in that case neither the infant nor his
  property will be liable, and the agent alone will be responsible. 5 Mass.
  299; 6 Mass., 58. 2d. Agents become liable to third persons in regard to
  torts or wrongs done by them in the course of their agency. A distinction
  has been made, in relation to third persons, between acts of misfeasance and
  non-feasance: an agent is, liable for the former, under certain
  circumstances, but not for the latter; he being responsible for his non-
  feasance only to his principal. Story on Ag. Sec. 309, 310. An agent is
  liable for misfeasance as to third persons, when, intentionally or
  ignorantly, he commits a wrong, although authorized by his principal,
  because no one can lawfully authorize another to commit a wrong upon the
  rights or property of another. 1 Wils. R. 328; 1 B. & P. 410. 3d. An agent
  is liable to  refund money, when payment to him is void ab initio, so that,
  the money was never received for the use of his principal, and he is
  consequently not accountable to the latter for it, if he has not actually
  paid it over at the time he receives notice of the take. 2 Cowp. 565; 10
  Mod. 233; M.& S. 344. But unless "caught with the money in his possession,"
  the agent is not responsible. 2 Moore, 5; 8 Taunt. 136; 9 Bing. 878; 7 B.&
  C. 111; 1 Cowp. 69; 4 Taunt. 198. This last rule is, however, subject to
  this qualification, that the money shall have been lawfully received by the
  agent; for if, in receiving it, the agent was a wrongdoer, he will not be
  exempted from liability by payment to his principal. 1 Campb. 396; 8 Bing.
  424; 1 T. R. 62; 2 Campb. 122; 1 Selw. N. P. 90, n.; 12 M. & W. 688; 6 A.&
  Ell. N. S. 280; 1 Taunt. 359; 3 Esp. 153.
      See Diplomatic Agent.
  
  

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  AGENT, practice. An agent is an attorney who transacts the business of
  another attorney.
      2. The agent owes to his principal the unremitted exertions of his skill
  and ability, and that all his transactions in that character, shall be
  distinguished by punctuality, honor and integrity. Lee's Dict. of Practice.