Also 6 pl. imbases. [A variant (now almost the only current form) of AMBASSY, q.v.]
1. The function or office of an ambassador; also, the sending of ambassadors.
1579. J. Jones, Preserv. Bodie & Soule, I. xxiii. 43. To toyle in imbases.
1588. Shaks., L. L. L., I. i. 35. Here comes in Embassie The French Kings daughter.
1669. Temple, Lett., Wks. 1731, II. 196. Lord Falconbridge, who is going on an Embassy.
1799. Wellington, in Gurw., Disp., I. 16. Various embassies and military preparations on the part of Tippoo Sultaun.
1848. W. K. Kelly, trans. L. Blanc’s Hist. Ten Y., II. 580. They thought it extremely liberal in them to reserve for their former chief some embassy or other.
† 2. The message committed to or delivered by an ambassador. Obs.
1595. Shaks., John, I. i. 6. Silence (good mother) heare the Embassie.
1615. Heywood, Foure Prentises, I. i. (1874), II. 218. Didst thou deliver our strict Embassie.
3. The body of persons sent on a mission, or as a deputation, to a sovereign, etc.; the ambassador and his retinue, with their surroundings; also, the official residence of the ambassador.
1671. Milton, P. R., IV. 67. Embassies from regions far remote.
1764. Gray, Corr. w. Nicholls (1843), 59. A half promise of being declared secretary to the embassy.
1843. Prescott, Mexico (1851), I. 269. The embassy, consisting of two Aztec nobles, was accompanied by the governor.
1837. Lytton, E. Maltravers, I. 161. It was a brilliant ball at the Palazzo of the Austrian embassy at Naples.
Mod. The Englishman inquired at the Embassy. They were married at the English Embassy.
