Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Deputation \Dep`u*ta"tion\, n. [Cf. F. d['e]putation. See
   {Depute}.]
   1. The act of deputing, or of appointing or commissioning a
      deputy or representative; office of a deputy or delegate;
      vicegerency.

            The authority of conscience stands founded upon its
            vicegerency and deputation under God. --South.

   2. The person or persons deputed or commissioned by another
      person, party, or public body to act in his or its behalf;
      delegation; as, the general sent a deputation to the enemy
      to propose a truce.

   {By deputation}, or {In deputation}, by delegated authority;
      as substitute; through the medium of a deputy. [Obs.]

            Say to great C[ae]sar this: In deputation I kiss his
            conquering hand.                      --Shak.

Source : WordNet®

deputation
     n 1: a group of representatives or delegates [syn: {commission},
          {delegation}, {delegacy}, {mission}]
     2: authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions [syn: {delegating},
         {delegation}, {relegating}, {relegation}]