Mis·sion n.
  1. The act of sending, or the state of being sent; a being sent or delegated by authority, with certain powers for transacting business; comission.
  Whose glorious deeds, but in these fields of late,
  Made emulous missions 'mongst the gods themselves.   --Shak.
  2. That with which a messenger or agent is charged; an errand; business or duty on which one is sent; a commission.
  How to begin, how to accomplish best
  His end of being on earth, and mission high.   --Milton.
  3. Persons sent; any number of persons appointed to perform any service; a delegation; an embassy; as, the Russian mission to the United Nations.
     In these ships there should be a mission of three of the fellows or brethren of Solomon's house.   --Bacon.
  4. An assotiation or organization of missionaries; a station or residence of missionaries.
  5. An organization for worship and work, dependent on one or more churches.
  6. A course of extraordinary sermons and services at a particular place and time for the special purpose of quickening the faith and zeal participants, and of converting unbelievers.
  7. Dismission; discharge from service. [Obs.]
  Mission school. (a) A school connected with a mission and conducted by missionaries. (b) A school for the religious instruction of children not having regular church privileges.
  Syn: -- Message; errand; commission; deputation.