I. An emissary, scout, spy, Cic. Verr. 2, 2, 8 Ascon.; 2, 3, 40; id. Fam. 7, 2, 3; Vell. 2, 18 fin.; Suet. Galb. 15; id. Dom. 11.—
B. Transf., in eccl. Lat.
1. An attendant, one of the guard, Vulg. 1 Reg. 22, 17.—
2. Caper emissarius, the scapegoat, sent to bear the sins of the people to the wilderness, Vulg. Levit. 16, 8 al.—
II. In botany, a young branch, a shoot, Plin. 17, 23, 35, § 208.