emissary

American  

[em-uh-ser-ee] / ˈɛm əˌsɛr i /

noun

PLURAL

emissaries

1. a representative sent on a mission or errand.

   emissaries to negotiate a peace.

   Synonyms:

   legate, envoy, ambassador, delegate

2. an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.

3. Anatomy. sending or coming out, as certain veins that pass through the skull and connect the venous sinuses inside with the veins outside.

4. pertaining to an emissary.

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adjective

1. Archaic. sent forth, as on a mission.

emissary British  

/ ˈɛmɪsərɪ, -ɪsrɪ /

noun

1. 1. an agent or messenger sent on a mission, esp one who represents a government or head of state

   2. ( as modifier )

      an emissary delegation

2. an agent sent on a secret mission, as a spy

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adjective

1. (of veins) draining blood from sinuses in the dura mater to veins outside the skull

Etymology

Origin of emissary

1595–1605; < Latin ēmissārius one sent out, equivalent to ēmiss- ( emission ) + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

If Zelensky were to dismiss Yermak, he would lose his foremost emissary to the U.S. since the start of the war.

From The Wall Street Journal

The theocrat would express his distrust of the Americans, caution his emissaries to be vigilant, but then obliquely defend their efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Over 40-plus movies, Reeves has been cast as the Buddha, the son of Satan, an alien emissary and the savior of mankind.

From Washington Post

In 1997, it sent emissaries to New York to request a seat at the United Nations.

From New York Times

Montezuma, both wary and curious, had sent emissaries in a bid to dissuade the strangers from venturing to his capital.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• envoy
• go-between
• intermediary
• messenger