1658, "acting of an agent," from M.L. agentia, noun of state from L. agentem (nom. agens, gen. agentis), prp. of agere (see act). Meaning "establishment where business is done for another" first recorded 1861.
an administrative unit of government; "the Central Intelligence Agency"; "the Census Bureau"; "Office of Management and Budget"; "Tennessee Valley Authority"
2.
a business that serves other businesses
3.
the state of being in action or exerting power; "the agency of providence"; "she has free agency"
4.
the state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent [syn: representation]
5.
how a result is obtained or an end is achieved; "a means of control"; "an example is the best agency of instruction"; "the true way to success" [syn: means]
Agency, IA (city, FIPS 640) Location: 40.99685 N, 92.30732 W Population (1990): 616 (276 housing units) Area: 1.5 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water) Zip code(s): 52530
Agency, MO (town, FIPS 298) Location: 39.65569 N, 94.74854 W Population (1990): 642 (216 housing units) Area: 6.4 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water) Zip code(s): 64401
Crow Agency, MT (CDP, FIPS 18250) Location: 45.60028 N, 107.46074 W Population (1990): 1446 (361 housing units) Area: 17.0 sq km (land), 0.0 sq km (water) Zip code(s): 59022
A"gen*cy\, n.; pl. Agencies. [agentia, fr. L. agens, agentis: cf. F. agence. See Agent.]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. --Woodward. 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 am agent. Syn: Action; operation; efficiency; management.