deputation

plural deputations

1. countableuncountableThe 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.

   1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London

2. countableuncountableThe 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.

   2 more examples

   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.

   1850, George Long, France and Its Revolutions: A Pictorial History, 1789-1848, page 29

   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.

   1957 September 28, M. D. Greville and G. O. Holt, “Railway Development in Manchester—1”, in Railway Magazine, page 618

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