Noah Webster
Envoy
EN'VOY, noun [Latin via; Eng. way, contracted from viag, vag, or wag.]
1. A person deputed by a prince or government, to negotiate a treaty, or transact other business, with a foreign prince or government. We usually apply the word to a public minister sent on a special occasion, or for one particular purpose; hence an envoy is distinguished from an embassador or permanent resident at a foreign court, and is of inferior rank. But envoys are ordinary and extraordinary, and the word may sometimes be applied to resident ministers.
2. A common messenger. [Not in use.]
3. Formerly, a postscript sent with compositions, to enforce them.