Emissaries

1 definition found

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

  Emissary \Em"is*sa*ry\, n.; pl. {Emissaries}. [L. emissarius,
     fr. emittere, emissum, to send out: cf. F. ['e]missaire. See
     {Emit}.]
     An agent employed to advance, in a covert manner, the
     interests of his employers; one sent out by any power that is
     at war with another, to create dissatisfaction among the


     people of the latter.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Buzzing emissaries fill the ears
           Of listening crowds with jealousies and fears.
                                                    --Dryden.
  
     Syn: {Emissary}, {Spy}.
  
     Usage: A spy is one who enters an enemy's camp or territories
            to learn the condition of the enemy; an emissary may
            be a secret agent appointed not only to detect the
            schemes of an opposing party, but to influence their
            councils. A spy must be concealed, or he suffers
            death; an emissary may in some cases be known as the
            agent of an adversary without incurring similar
            hazard.
            [1913 Webster]