Definition of the word legation

The word "legation" originated in the 16th century, derived from the Latin word "legatus," meaning "ambassador" or "envoy." In diplomatic terms, a legation refers to the official representation of a sovereign state in another country that doesn't have diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. Initially, the term "legation" was used interchangeably with "embassy," but in the 19th century, the international legal framework surrounding diplomatic relations became more complex, requiring a more specific term. Diplomatic missions that were not accorded the status of an embassy, such as those of a smaller or less developed country, were henceforward referred to as "legations." The term legation as opposed to embassy thus emerged as a legal distinction based on the perceived status of the sending country rather than simply another name for embassy. However, in modern times, the distinction between legations and embassies has become less clear-cut, with many countries conferring ambassadorial status on their missions regardless of the diplomatic status of the host country. Nevertheless, the term legation remains a part of international diplomatic terminology, primarily in academic and historical contexts.