n. 1 a member of the clergy representing the Pope. 2 Rom.Hist. a a deputy of a general. b a governor or deputy governor of a province. 3 archaic an ambassador or delegate. legate a latere a papal legate of the highest class, with full powers. legateship n. legatine adj.
[ OE f. OF legat f. L legatus past part. of legare depute, delegate ]