%emissary%

n.; pl. Emissaries [ L. emissarius, fr. emittere, emissum, to send out: cf. F. émissaire. 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. 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 ]