legate

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an official envoy or deputy, especially a representative sent by the pope or a sovereign

   The papal legate arrived with authority to negotiate a settlement.

2. 2
   noun

   in ancient Rome, a deputy or lieutenant serving a general or provincial governor

   The Roman legate commanded the legion while the governor was absent.

From Middle English legate and Old French legat, from Latin legatus, 'envoy, deputy, or commissioned officer,' the noun use of the past participle of legare, 'to send as an envoy or appoint.' The Roman office and later papal diplomatic title preserve that delegated-authority sense.

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