From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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.
[1913 Webster]
The authority of conscience stands founded upon its
vicegerency and deputation under God. --South.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
By deputation, or In deputation, by delegated authority;
as substitute; through the medium of a deputy. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Say to great C[ae]sar this: In deputation
I kiss his conquering hand. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
deputation
n 1: a group of representatives or delegates [syn: deputation,
commission, delegation, delegacy, mission]
2: authorizing subordinates to make certain decisions [syn:
delegating, delegation, relegating, relegation,
deputation]