chargédaffaires

chargé′ d'af•faires′

(dəˈfɛər)

n., pl. chargés d'af•faires (dəˈfɛər) 1. an official placed in charge of diplomatic business during the temporary absence of the ambassador or minister. 2. an envoy to a state to which a diplomat of higher grade is not sent. [1760–70; < French: literally, one in charge of things]