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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Emissary \Em"is*sa*ry\, a.
1. Exploring; spying. --B. Jonson.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Anat.) Applied to the veins which pass out of the cranium
through apertures in its walls.
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Emissary \Em"is*sa*ry\, n.; pl. {Emissaries}. [L. emissarius,
fr. emittere, emissum, to send out: cf. F. ['e]missaire. See
{Emit}.]
An agent employed to advance, in a covert manner, the
interests of his employers; one sent out by any power that is
at war with another, to create dissatisfaction among the
people of the latter.
[1913 Webster]

Buzzing emissaries fill the ears
Of listening crowds with jealousies and fears.
--Dryden.

Syn: {Emissary}, {Spy}.

Usage: A spy is one who enters an enemy's camp or territories
to learn the condition of the enemy; an emissary may
be a secret agent appointed not only to detect the
schemes of an opposing party, but to influence their
councils. A spy must be concealed, or he suffers
death; an emissary may in some cases be known as the
agent of an adversary without incurring similar
hazard.
[1913 Webster]