Mis"sion (?), n. [L. missio, fr.
mittere, missum, to send: cf. F. mission. See
Missile.] 1. The act of sending, or the
state of being sent; a being sent or delegated by authority, with
certain powers for transacting business; comission.
Whose glorious deeds, but in these fields of late,
Made emulous missions 'mongst the gods
themselves.
Shak.
2. That with which a messenger or agent is
charged; an errand; business or duty on which one is sent; a
commission.
How to begin, how to accomplish best
His end of being on earth, and mission high.
Milton.
3. Persons sent; any number of persons
appointed to perform any service; a delegation; an embassy.
In these ships there should be a mission of
three of the fellows or brethren of Solomon's house.
Bacon.
4. An assotiation or organization of
missionaries; a station or residence of missionaries.
5. An organization for worship and work,
dependent on one or more churches.
6. A course of extraordinary sermons and
services at a particular place and time for the special purpose of
quickening the faith and zeal participants, and of converting
unbelievers. Addis & Arnold.
7. Dismission; discharge from service.
[Obs.]
Mission school. (a) A school
connected with a mission and conducted by missionaries.
(b) A school for the religious instruction of
children not having regular church privileges.
Syn. -- Message; errand; commission; deputation.
Mis"sion (?), v. t. To send on a
mission. [Mostly used in the form of the past participle.]
Keats.
