embassy

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛmbəsi/

noun (plural embassies)

  • 1the official residence or offices of an ambassador: the Chilean embassy in Moscow
  • the staff working in an embassy: the embassy denied any involvement in the murder
  • 2chiefly historical a deputation or mission sent by one ruler or state to another: Worsley failed to be selected to join the embassy to Sweden

Origin:

late 16th century (originally also as ambassy denoting the position of ambassador): from Old French ambasse, based on Latin ambactus 'servant'. Compare with ambassador