EMBASSADOR

In PoHtics, the name of the highest order of foreign ministers. An amba ador is not only the agent of the country which sends him, but also represents personally the dignity of its sovereign. The greater powers of Europe send amba adors to each otlier, with tlie exception of Pru ia, which never employs ministers of this cla . The word amba ador is of very uncertain derivation, but is sup. posed to be derived from the Italian word a mba sci are, to solicit. In charters and diplomas of later date than the ninth century, the names of those who had solicited the grants are frequently signed at the foot with the designation of "a mba sci a to res," or solicitors; audit may hence be presumed that the title was originally given to envoys who attended at a court to solicit some favour for another party. As to the rights and privileges of ambas  [s. 51]