MESSAGE (a word occurring in slightly different forms in several

See also:

• LANGUAGES

languages, e.g. Fr. message, Span. mensaje, Ital. messagio; adapted from the

See also:

• LOW, SETH (1850- )
• LOW, WILL HICOK (1853- )

Low

See also:

• LAT

Lat. missaticum, from mittere)  , a comnrunication either verbal, written or printed, sent from one person to another . Message is the term generally applied to the official communications addressed by the heads of states to their legislatures at the opening of the session or at other times . These also, though written, are borne and delivered by special messengers and have the force of a face to face speech . The sessional and other messages to Congress of the president of the United States of America are printed state documents . Washington and John Adams delivered them in person but the practice was discontinued by Jefferson . " Messenger " is of the same derivation; the earlier form of the word was messager (cf. passenger, scavenger) . In ordinary language the word means one who is charged with the delivery of a message . In Scottish law a messenger-at-arms is an official appointed by Lyon-King-at-Arms to execute summonses and letters of diligence connected with the Court of Sessions - and Court of Justiciary (see WRIT: § Scotland) . Technically the term "messenger " is given to an endless rope or chain, passing from the capstan to the cable so that the latter may be hauled in when the messenger is wound round the capstan; also to a similar contrivance for hauling in a dredge .