2. An ecclesiastic representing the pope and invested with
the authority of the Holy See.
Note: Legates are of three kinds: ({a}) Legates a latere, now
always cardinals. They are called ordinary or
extraordinary legates, the former governing provinces,
and the latter class being sent to foreign countries on
extraordinary occasions. ({b}) Legati missi, who
correspond to the ambassadors of temporal governments.
({c}) Legati nati, or legates by virtue of their
office, as the archbishops of Salzburg and Prague.
3. (Rom. Hist.)
(a) An official assistant given to a general or to the
governor of a province.
(b) Under the emperors, a governor sent to a province.