chargé d'affaires

[ shahr-zhey duh-fair, shahr-zhey; French shar-zhey da-fer ]

noun

, Government.

, plural char·gés d'af·faires [shahr-, zheyz, d, uh, -, fair, shahr, -zheyz, sh, a, r, -zhey d, a, -, fer].

1. Also called chargé d'affaires ad interim. an official placed in charge of diplomatic business during the temporary absence of the ambassador or minister.
2. an envoy to a state to which a diplomat of higher grade is not sent.

chargé d'affaires

/ ˈʃɑːʒeɪ dæˈfɛə; ʃarʒe dafɛr /

noun

1. the temporary head of a diplomatic mission in the absence of the ambassador or minister
2. the head of a diplomatic mission of the lowest level

Word History and Origins

Origin of chargé d'affaires¹

1760–70; < French: literally, one in charge of things

Word History and Origins

Origin of chargé d'affaires¹

C18: from French: (one) charged with affairs

Example Sentences

In 1853 he was appointed chargé d'affaires at Naples, being later raised to ministerial rank (1855-58).

From Project Gutenberg

A letter from Mr. Laughlin, Chargé d'affaires in Page's absence, tells the story.

From Project Gutenberg

I understand business matters, and constitute myself from this time on your chargé d'affaires.

From Project Gutenberg

The chargé d'affaires requested the aid of a United States man-of-war, whose captain demanded Koszta's release.

From Project Gutenberg

A chargé d'affaires may perform the functions of the higher grades of agents and has the same general privileges.

From Project Gutenberg