embassy
NounUS/ˈɛmbəsi/3 syllables
Open English WordNet
Noun (2)embassies
- a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or workType of diplomatic building
- an ambassador and their entourage collectivelyType of deputation, commissionKinds High Commission
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onerousadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Em′bas·sy noun; pl. Embassies (#).
Origin: OF. ambassée, embascée, LL. ambasciata, fr. ambasciare for ambactiare to go on a mission, fr. L. ambactus vassal, dependent, of Celtic or German origin; cf. W. amaeth husbandman, Goth. andbahts servant, G. amt office, OHG. ambaht. Cf. Ambassador.
1. The public function of an ambassador; the charge or business intrusted to an ambassador or to envoys; a public message to; foreign court concerning state affairs; hence, any solemn message.
He sends the angels on embassies with his decrees.— Taylor, Jeremy
2. The person or persons sent as ambassadors or envoys; the ambassador and his suite; envoys.
3. The residence or office of an ambassador.
☞ Sometimes, but rarely, spelled ambassy.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54