legate

[ leg-it ]

noun

1. an ecclesiastic delegated by the pope as his representative.
2. Roman History.
   1. an assistant to a general or to a consul or magistrate, in the government of any army or a province; a commander of a legion.
   2. a provincial governor of senatorial rank appointed by the emperor.
3. an envoy or emissary.

legate

/ ˈlɛɡɪt; ˈlɛɡəˌtaɪn /

noun

1. a messenger, envoy, or delegate
2. RC Church an emissary to a foreign state representing the Pope

Derived Forms

• ˈlegateˌship, noun
• legatine, adjective

Other Words From

• legate·ship noun
• under·legate noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legate¹

1125–75; Middle English legat < Latin lēgātus deputy (noun use of masculine past participle of lēgāre to depute), equivalent to lēgā ( re ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of legate¹

Old English, via Old French from Latin lēgātus deputy, from lēgāre to delegate; related to lēx law

Example Sentences

If not, let the full powers of an ambassador be sent to the cardinal legate at Paris; in any case, let there be an end to menaces.

From Project Gutenberg

She had disdained to make terms for herself, so the legate cast Marzia and her children into prison.

From Project Gutenberg

Before he came forward to meet her, he observed the Legate walking swiftly after her, so he remained hidden.

From Project Gutenberg

The Legate smiled, a cold, hard smile, fully master of himself again.

From Project Gutenberg

He ordered the legate therefore to be detained in Flanders till his threats had obtained from the Pope an order for his recall.

From Project Gutenberg