Definition

1. Noun:
   • An official representative or envoy, especially one sent by the Pope: A "legate" is a person who is officially appointed to represent a higher authority, most commonly used historically for a papal representative or a diplomatic envoy.
   • A member of a legation: In a diplomatic context, a "legate" can refer to an official who is part of a diplomatic mission or legation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Pope sent a legate to mediate the dispute.
  • As the papal legate, he had significant authority in the region.
  • The ambassador and his legates worked on the treaty.

Advanced Usage

• "Papal legate": A specific term for a representative of the Pope, often a cardinal, with delegated authority.
  • The papal legate convened the council.
• "Apostolic legate": Another term for a legate representing the Holy See.
  • The apostolic legate delivered the message from the Vatican.

Variants and Related Words

• Legation (n): A diplomatic mission headed by a minister or an envoy; the official residence or office of such a mission.
  • The legation was located in the capital city.
• Legateship (n): The office or term of office of a legate.
  • His legateship lasted for three years.

Synonyms

• Envoy: A messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission.
• Emissary: A person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative.
• Delegate: A person sent or authorized to represent others.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The verb form "to legate" (meaning to bequeath or leave as a legacy) is etymologically related but is now archaic and rarely used. The primary modern meaning of "legate" is as a noun referring to an official representative.
• In historical contexts, "legate" often referred specifically to an ambassador of the Roman Republic or Empire, or later, to a representative of the Pope.

Noun

1. a member of a legation