DEPUTATION, noun 1. The act of appointing a substitute or representative to act for another; the act of appointing and sending a deputy or substitute to transact business for another, as his agent, either with a special commission and authority, or with general powers. This word may be used for the election of representatives to a legislature; but more generally it is employed to express the appointment of a special agent or commissioner, by an individual or public body, to transact a particular business. 2. A special commission or authority to act as the substitute of another; as, this man acts by deputation from the sheriff. 3. The person deputed; the person or persons authorized and sent to transact business for another; as, the General sent a deputation to the enemy to offer terms of peace.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI