agency /(ā"jen*sy̆)/

a·gen·cy

agency

n.

pl. Agencies ((ā"jen*sĭz))

  1. The faculty of acting or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; instrumentality.
    The superintendence and agency of Providence in the natural world.
  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.
  3. The place of business of an agent.
  4. An organization or business that provides some service, primarily for other organizations; as, an advertising agency.
  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).