Embassies

1 definition found

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

  Embassy \Em"bas*sy\, n.; pl. {Embassies}. [OF. ambass['e]e,
     embasc['e]e, LL. ambasciata, fr. ambasciare for ambactiare to
     go on a mission, fr. L. ambactus vassal, dependent, of Celtic
     or German origin; cf. W. amaeth husbandman, Goth. andbahts
     servant, G. amt office, OHG. ambaht. Cf. {Ambassador}.]
     1. The public function of an ambassador; the charge or


        business intrusted to an ambassador or to envoys; a public
        message to; foreign court concerning state affairs; hence,
        any solemn message.
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              He sends the angels on embassies with his decrees.
                                                    --Jer. Taylor.
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     2. The person or persons sent as ambassadors or envoys; the
        ambassador and his suite; envoys.
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     3. The residence or office of an ambassador.
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     Note: Sometimes, but rarely, spelled ambassy.
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