n.; pl. Agencies [ agentia, fr. L. agens, agentis: cf. F. agence. See Agent. ] 1. The faculty of acting or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; instrumentality. [ 1913 Webster ]
The superintendence and agency of Providence in the natural world. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The office of an agent, or factor; the relation between a principal and his agent; business of one intrusted with the concerns of another. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The place of business of an agent. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. An organization or business that provides some service, primarily for other organizations; as, an advertising agency. [ PJC ]
5. An administrative division of a government; as, a state welfare agency; a motor vehicle agency; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [ PJC ]
Syn. -- Action; operation; efficiency; management. [ 1913 Webster ]