Em"bas*sy (?), n.; pl. Embassies (#). [OF. ambass'ee, embasc'ee, LL. ambasciata, fr. ambasciare for ambactiare to go on a mission, fr. L. ambactus vassal, dependent, of Celtic or German origin; cf. W. amaeth husbandman, Goth. andbahts servant, G. amt office, OHG. ambaht. Cf. Ambassador.]
1.
The public function of an ambassador; the charge or business intrusted to an ambassador or to envoys; a public message to; foreign court concerning state affairs; hence, any solemn message.
He sends the angels on embassies with his decrees.
Jer. Taylor.
2.
The person or persons sent as ambassadors or envoys; the ambassador and his suite; envoys.
3.
The residence or office of an ambassador.
⇒ Sometimes, but rarely, spelled ambassy.
© Webster 1913.