emissary

[ em-uh-ser-ee ]
/ ˈɛm əˌsɛr i /

noun, plural em·is·sar·ies.

a representative sent on a mission or errand: emissaries to negotiate a peace.
an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
Anatomy. sending or coming out, as certain veins that pass through the skull and connect the venous sinuses inside with the veins outside.
pertaining to an emissary.

adjective

Archaic. sent forth, as on a mission.

Origin of emissary

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

Example sentences from the Web for emissary

British Dictionary definitions for emissary

emissary
/ (ˈɛmɪsərɪ, -ɪsrɪ) /

noun plural -saries

  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
an agent sent on a secret mission, as a spy

adjective

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

Word Origin for emissary

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

Medical definitions for emissary

emissary
[ ĕmĭ-sĕr′ē ]

n.

Any of various venous channels through the skull that connect the venous sinuses of the dura mater with veins external to the skull.