n. [ L. missio, fr. mittere, missum, to send: cf. F. mission. See Missile. ] 1. The act of sending, or the state of being sent; a being sent or delegated by authority, with certain powers for transacting business; comission. [ 1913 Webster ]
Whose glorious deeds, but in these fields of late,
Made emulous missions 'mongst the gods themselves. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. That with which a messenger or agent is charged; an errand; business or duty on which one is sent; a commission. [ 1913 Webster ]
How to begin, how to accomplish best
His end of being on earth, and mission high. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Persons sent; any number of persons appointed to perform any service; a delegation; an embassy; as, the Russian mission to the United Nations. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
In these ships there should be a mission of three of the fellows or brethren of Solomon's house. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. An assotiation or organization of missionaries; a station or residence of missionaries. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. An organization for worship and work, dependent on one or more churches. [ 1913 Webster ]
6. A course of extraordinary sermons and services at a particular place and time for the special purpose of quickening the faith and zeal participants, and of converting unbelievers. Addis & Arnold. [ 1913 Webster ]
7. Dismission; discharge from service. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
Mission school. (a) A school connected with a mission and conducted by missionaries. (b) A school for the religious instruction of children not having regular church privileges. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Message; errand; commission; deputation. [ 1913 Webster ]