Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Embassy
Em′bas-sy
,Noun.
pl.
Embassies
(#)
. [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. Jer. Taylor.
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 1828 Edition
Embassy
EM'BASSY
, n.1.
The message or public function of an embassador; the charge or employment of a public minister, whether ambassador or envoy; the word signifies the message or commission itself, and the person or persons sent to convey or to execute it. We say the king sent an embassy, meaning an envoy,minister, or ministers; or the king sent a person on an embassy. The embassy consisted of three envoys. The embassy was instructed to inquire concerning the king's disposition.2.
A solemn message.Eighteen centuries ago, the gospel went forth from Jerusalem on an embassy of mingled authority and love.
3.
Ironically, an errand.[The old orthography, ambassade, ambassage, being obsolete, and embassy established, I have rendered the orthography of embassador conformable to it in the initial letter.]