Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Charg'e d'affaires \Char`g['e]" d'af`faires"\, n.; pl.
   {Charg['e]s d'affaires}. [F., ``charged with affairs.'']
   A diplomatic representative, or minister of an inferior
   grade, accredited by the government of one state to the
   minister of foreign affairs of another; also, a substitute,
   ad interim, for an ambassador or minister plenipotentiary.