minister plenipotentiary

noun

a diplomat having less authority than an ambassador

• Syn: ↑envoy, ↑envoy extraordinary

• Hypernyms: ↑diplomat, ↑diplomatist

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noun (plural ministers plenipotentiary)

: a principal diplomatic agent ranking below an ambassador but possessing full power and authority as the representative of his government at a foreign court or seat of government — see envoy II 1a; compare minister 7b

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plenipotentiary.

[1635-45]

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minister plenipotentiary,

plural ministers plenipotentiary.

a diplomatic agent given full powers by his or her government; plenipotentiary.