deputation

Noun

deputation (countable and uncountable, plural deputations)

1. 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.1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London
2. 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.1850, George Long, France and Its Revolutions: A Pictorial History, 1789-1848, page 29
3. Among Christian missionaries, the process or period of time during which they raise support in preparation for going to their mission field.