) | a division of the U.S. Department of State or of a foreign office that maintains diplomatic and consular posts and personnel in other countries. |
For·eign Service  (fôr'ĭn, fŏr'-)  n.
|
The professional arm of the executive branch that supplies diplomats for the United States embassies and consulates around the world. Ambassadors, though officially members of the Foreign Service, are sometimes friends of the president of the United States appointed in gratitude for support given during elections.