Note: Legates are of three kinds: (a) Legates a latere, now always cardinals. They are called ordinary or extraordinary legates, the former governing provinces, and the latter class being sent to foreign countries on extraordinary occasions. (b) Legati missi, who correspond to the ambassadors of temporal governments. (c) Legati nati, or legates by virtue of their office, as the archbishops of Salzburg and Prague.
3. (Rom. Hist.) (a) An official assistant given to a general or to the governor of a province. (b) Under the emperors, a governor sent to a province.
LEGATEE
Leg`a*tee", n. Etym: [See Legacy.] (Law)
Defn: One to whom a legacy is bequeathed.
LEGATESHIP
Leg"ate*ship, n.
Defn: The office of a legate.
LEGATINE
Leg"a*tine, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to a legate; as, legatine power. Holinshed.
2. Made by, proceeding from, or under the sanction of, a legate; as, a legatine constitution. Ayliffe.
LEGATION
Le*ga"tion, n. Etym: [L. legatio: cf. F. légation, It. legazione. See
Legate.]