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Webster 1913 Edition


agency

a′gen-cy

(ā′jen-sy̆)
,
Noun.
;
pl.
Agencies
(ā′jen-sĭz)
.
[
agentia
, fr. L.
agens
,
agentis
: cf. F.
agence
. See
Agent
.]
1.
The faculty of acting or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; instrumentality.
The superintendence and
agency
of Providence in the natural world.
Woodward.
2.
The office of an agent, or factor; the relation between a principal and his agent; business of one intrusted with the concerns of another.
3.
The place of business of an agent.
Syn. – Action; operation; efficiency; management.

Webster 1828 Edition


Agency

A'GENCY

,
Noun.
[L. agens. See Act.]
1.
The quality of moving or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; operation; instrumentality; as, the agency of providence in the natural world.
2.
The office of an agent, or factor; business of an agent entrusted with the concerns of another; as, the principal pays the charges of agency.

Definition 2024


agency

agency

English

Noun

agency (plural agencies)

  1. The capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power; action or activity; operation.
    The superintendence and agency of Providence in the natural world. --Woodward.
  2. A person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved: instrumentality, means.
  3. The office or function of an agent; also, the relationship between a principal and that person's agent.
  4. An establishment engaged in doing business for another; also, the place of business or the district of such an agency.
  5. A department or other administrative unit of a government; also, the office or headquarters of, or the district administered by such unit of government.
    Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
    Central Intelligence Agency

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