- Emissaries
- 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
