An official envoy or ambassador, especially one sent with full powers to represent a ruler or the Pope.
From Latin 'legatus' (deputy, ambassador), derived from 'legare' (to send as a representative). In Roman times, legates were military commanders or provincial governors with delegated authority.
Roman legates were so powerful that they could command armies thousands of miles away from Rome—the word literally means 'one to whom power is handed over,' making them the ancient world's ultimate remote managers!
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