Word Mentality - Legation

More from the world of geo-politics. We generally use the term Delegation, but are not aware of true source of its meaning.

Legation

Noun

1. The act of sending a legate
2. Diplomatic mission:
   1. A diplomatic mission in a foreign country ranking below an embassy
   2. The diplomatic minister and staff of such a mission.
   3. The premises occupied by such a mission.
3. Historical - A Papal province

A legation was the term used in diplomacy to denote a diplomatic representative office lower than an embassy. The distinction between a legation and embassy was dropped following the Second World War, as all diplomatic representative offices were now designated as embassies, or high commissions. The term is still used for Papal representatives or other religious delegations.

Etymology

15th century: from Latin legare, legatum to send as a deputy

Synonyms

Foreign mission, legateship, commission, representation

Interesting Anagrams

go entail, to genial, at legion, Latin Ego, oil agent, not agile, align toe, giant Leo, Goa inlet, Tea Lingo, Nile goat, I got elan, lion gate...