ablegate

noun

ab·​le·​gate
ˈablə̇gə̇t,
-lē-,
-ˌgāt
plural -s
: a papal envoy on a special mission (as the conveying of the insignia of office to a newly named cardinal)

Word History

Etymology

French ablégat, from Latin ablegatus, past participle of ablegare "to send away," from ab- ab entry 1 + legare "to send on a commission, dispatch"

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ablegate was in 1817

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Dictionary Entries Near ablegate

Cite this Entry

“Ablegate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ablegate. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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