nuncio
NounSynonyms:
papal nuncio
WordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- (Roman Catholic Church) a diplomatic representative of the Pope having ambassadorial statusSynonyms: papal nuncio
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Nuncio \Nun"ci*o\, n.; pl. Nuncios. [It. nunzio, nuncio, fr. L. nuncius, nuntius, messenger; perh. akin to novus new, E. new, and thus, one who brings news. Cf. Announce.] [1913 Webster]
1.A messenger. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2.The permanent official representative of the pope at a foreign court or seat of government. Distinguished from a legate a latere, whose mission is temporary in its nature, or for some special purpose. Nuncios are of higher rank than internuncios. [1913 Webster]