embassy
(ˈɛmbəsɪ)
Also 6 pl. imbases.
[A variant (now almost the only current form) of ambassy, q.v.]
1. The function or office of an ambassador; also, the sending of ambassadors.
| 1579 J. Jones Preserv. Bodie & Soule i. xxiii. 43 To toyle in imbases. 1588 Shakes. L.L.L. i. i. 35 Here comes in Embassie The French Kings daughter. 1669 Temple Let. Wks. 1731 II. 196 Lord Falconbridge, who is going on an Embassy. 1799 Wellington in Gurw. Disp. I. 16 Various embassies and military preparations on the part of Tippoo Sultaun. 1848 W. K. Kelly tr. L. Blanc's Hist. Ten Y. II. 564 They thought it..liberal in them to reserve for their former chief some embassy or other. |
† 2. The message committed to or delivered by an ambassador. Obs.
| 1595 Shakes. John i. i. 6 Silence (good mother) heare the Embassie. 1615 Heywood Foure Prentises i. i. (1874) II. 218 Didst thou deliver our strict Embassie. |
3. The body of persons sent on a mission, or as a deputation, to a sovereign, etc.; the ambassador and his retinue, with their surroundings; also, the official residence of the ambassador.
| 1671 Milton P.R. iv. 67 Embassies from regions far remote. 1764 Gray Corr. w. Nicholls (1843) 59 A half promise of being declared secretary to the embassy. 1843 Prescott Mexico (1851) I. 269 The embassy, consisting of two Aztec nobles, was accompanied by the governor. 1837 Lytton E. Maltrav. (1851) 49 It was a brilliant ball at the Palazzo of the Austrian embassy at Naples. Mod. The Englishman inquired at the Embassy. They were married at the English Embassy. |