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.
Phrases and idioms:
legate a latere a papal legate of the highest class, with full powers.
Derivatives:
legateship n. legatine adj.
Etymology: OE f. OF legat f. L legatus past part. of legare depute, delegate