Definition of delegation

The word "delegation" comes from the Latin "delegare", which means "to entrust" or "to assign". In the 15th century, the Latin term was incorporated into Middle English as "delegation", initially meaning "the act of entrusting" or "a person entrusted with a duty". In the 16th century, the meaning of "delegation" expanded to include the idea of assigning a representative to act on one's behalf, often in politics or business. Today, a delegation typically refers to a group of people authorized to make decisions or take actions on behalf of an organization, government, or individual. The concept of delegation has been present in various forms throughout history, with ancient civilizations like the Roman Republic and the Mongol Empire making use of appointed representatives to manage territories and conduct diplomacy. The modern English word "delegation" has maintained its core meaning while adapting to changing social and political contexts.