emissary

[em-uh-ser-ee]

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.

adjective

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

emissary

/ 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

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of emissary¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of emissary¹

C17: from Latin ēmissārius emissary, spy, from ēmittere to send out; see _emit

Example Sentences

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He’s put off by Ginsberg’s aggressiveness, though the aging beatnik softens somewhat when he realizes Hujar isn’t an emissary of the enemy so much as a photographer picking up work where he can get it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Created as a refuge for Jewish musicians fleeing Nazi persecution, it became, with Israel’s founding in 1948, a cultural emissary for its home country.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

These two songs are worthy emissaries of the general vibe here.

Read more on Salon

They profess to be emissaries of a deity called “Sleep,” and title songs like “The Night Does Not Belong to God.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• envoy 
• go-between 
• intermediary 
• messenger