'Emissaries' definitions:

Definition of 'Emissaries'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]

Words containing 'Emissaries'