agency (āˈjen‑sy̆), n.; pl. Agencies (āˈjen‑sĭz). [agentia, fr. L. agens, agentis: cf. F. agence. See Agent.]
1. The faculty of acting or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; instrumentality.
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The superintendence and agency of Providence in the natural world. Woodward.
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2. The office of an agent, or factor; the relation between a principal and his agent; business of one intrusted with the concerns of another.
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3. The place of business of an agent.
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4. An organization or business that provides some service, primarily for other organizations; as, “an advertising agency”.
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5. An administrative division of a government; as, “a state welfare agency; a motor vehicle agency; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)”.
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Syn. -- Action; operation; efficiency; management.
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