legation

[ li-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a diplomatic minister and staff in a foreign mission.
2. the official headquarters of a diplomatic minister.
3. the office or position of a legate; mission.

legation

/ lɪˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. a diplomatic mission headed by a minister
2. the official residence and office of a diplomatic minister
3. the act of sending forth a diplomatic envoy
4. the mission or business of a diplomatic envoy
5. the rank or office of a legate

Derived Forms

• leˈgationary, adjective

Other Words From

• le·ga·tion·ar·y [li-, gey, -sh, uh, -ner-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of legation¹

1425–75; late Middle English legacion < Latin lēgātiōn- (stem of lēgātiō ) embassy. See legate, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of legation¹

C15: from Latin lēgātiō, from lēgātus legate

Example Sentences

The Harrison administration in turn removed the U.S. legation from Rome.

From Washington Post

There’s obviously a pretty proud tradition of very long history in the United States of diplomats, whether it began as legations overseas, converting to embassies and ambassadors.

From MSNBC

The students marched off to present their demands to Western diplomatic legations nearby.

From New York Times

He reportedly upset his Ecuadorian host with his incessant demands, his meddling in “other countries’ affairs,” his public pronouncement from the legation’s balcony and even his reluctance to clean up after his cat.

From Washington Times

“Teachers feel last year was reactive. Last year legation was passed and then we stood up. We want to be on the forefront.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• commission
• contingent
• embassy
• gathering
• organization