\Em"is*sa*ry\, n.; pl. {Emissaries}. [L. emissarius,
fr. emittere, emissum, to send out: cf. F. ['e]missaire. See
{Emit}.]
An agent employed to advance, in a covert manner, the
interests of his employers; one sent out by any power that is
at war with another, to create dissatisfaction among the
people of the latter.
      Buzzing emissaries fill the ears Of listening crowds
      with jealousies and fears.               --Dryden.
Syn: {Emissary}, {Spy}.
Usage: A spy is one who enters an enemy's camp or territories
       to learn the condition of the enemy; an emissary may
       be a secret agent appointed not only to detect the
       schemes of an opposing party, but to influence their
       councils. A spy must be concealed, or he suffers
       death; an emissary may in some cases be known as the
       agent of an adversary without incurring similar
       hazard.

\Em"is*sa*ry\, a.
1. Exploring; spying. --B. Jonson.
2. (Anat.) Applied to the veins which pass out of the cranium
   through apertures in its walls.