deputation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The act of deputing, or of appointing or commissioning a deputy or representative; office of a deputy or delegate; vicegerency.

   “The authority of conscience stands founded upon its vicegerency and deputation under God.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The person or persons deputed or commissioned by another person, party, or public body to act in his or its behalf; a delegation.

   “The general sent a deputation to the enemy to propose a truce.”

   “A deputation came to the Hotel de Ville from the district of the Mathurins, where the people had assembled, appointed a president and other officers, and begun to make a list of the citizens who were able to bear arms.”

   “From time to time deputations from the town urged the construction of a more central station, and in November, 1842, the directors announced that a temporary station at the south end of the viaduct would be erected as early as practicable, and the experiment fairly tried, but that under no circumstances would the company consent to the expense of having two passenger stations at Stockport.”

3. (countable, uncountable)Among Christian missionaries, the process or period of time during which they raise support in preparation for going to their mission field.