and more fully Chargé d’affaires. [F.; = (one) ‘charged’ or in charge of affairs.]
1. A minister who transacts diplomatic business at a foreign court during the temporary absence of the ambassador; also, the representative of a country at a less important foreign court, to which a diplomatist of higher grade is not appointed.
1876. Bancroft, Hist. U.S., VI. 547. Garnier, French chargé at London.
1878. Morley, Diderot, II. 111. Gunning, the English chargé d’affaires.
2. gen. Man or officer in charge (for the time).
1850. Thackeray, Pendennis, xlvi. The ‘Pall Mall Gazette,’ of which he acted as the editor and chargé-d’affaires during the temporary absence of the chief.
