[SUB- 6.] A subordinate agent; the agent of an agent. (spec. in U.S. Law.)
1843–56. Bouvier, Law Dict. (ed. 6), II. 552/2. A sub-agent is generally invested with the same rights, and incurs the same liabilities in regard to his immediate employers, as if he were the sole and real principal.
1863. H. Cox, Instit., I. viii. 122. The candidate is responsible not only for his own acts, but for those of his agents, and for those of sub-agents appointed by them.
1881. Instr. Census Clerks (1885), 84. Persons working and dealing in various mineral substances. Sub-order 1.—Miners…. Underground Agent, Sub-Agent.
Hence Sub-agency, the position, condition or residence of a sub-agent.
1845. R. W. Hamilton, Pop. Educ., iv. (ed. 2), 64. The antichristian usurpation … puts forth an unwonted vigour…. An active … sub-agency is stalking through the land.
1900. 20th Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv., IV. Pl. 44. Subagency of Southern Utes at Navajo Springs.
