Em"is*sa*ry (?), n.; pl.
Emissaries (#). [L. emissarius, fr.
emittere, emissum, to send out: cf. F.
émissaire. See Emit.] An agent employed to
advance, in a covert manner, the interests of his employers; one sent
out by any power that is at war with another, to create
dissatisfaction among the people of the latter.
Buzzing emissaries fill the ears
Of listening crowds with jealousies and fears.
Dryden.
Syn. -- Emissary, Spy. A spy is one
who enters an enemy's camp or territories to learn the condition of
the enemy; an emissary may be a secret agent appointed not
only to detect the schemes of an opposing party, but to influence
their councils. A spy must be concealed, or he suffers death;
an emissary may in some cases be known as the agent of an
adversary without incurring similar hazard.
Em"is*sa*ry, a. 1.
Exploring; spying. B. Jonson.
2. (Anat.) Applied to the veins which
pass out of the cranium through apertures in its walls.
