Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition and Ballentine's Law Dictionary as are available for each term in each dictionary.
  • Ballentine's Law Dictionary

    A messenger; an ambassador.

  • Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition

    In ecclesiastical law. One who answers for another. An officer whose duty was to carry to the emperor messages relating to ecclesiastical matters, and to take back his answer to the petitioners. An officer who gave advice on questions of ecclesiastical law. An ambassador or legate of a pope or bishop. Spelman.
    —Apocrisarins cancellarius. In the civil law. An officer who took charge of the royal seal and signed royal dispatches.