lə̇ˈgāshən, lēˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English legacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French legation, from Latin legation-, legatio, from legatus (past participle of legare to send with a commission or charge, depute) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at legate
1.
a. : the sending forth of a legate or a diplomatic representative
b. : the charge or business entrusted to such an envoy : mission
2. : a body of deputies sent on a mission ; specifically : a diplomatic mission in a foreign country headed by a minister
air attachés on the staffs of our embassies and legations — F.A.Ogg & P.O.Ray
3. : legateship
4. : the official residence and office of a diplomatic minister at the seat of a foreign government
troops occupied the premises of the American legation — G.H.Stuart