See mission in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
a sending out or being sent out with authority to perform a special service; specif.,
the sending out of persons by a religious organization to preach, teach, and convert
the sending out of persons to a foreign government to conduct negotiations
the work done by such persons
a group of persons sent by a religious body to spread its religion, esp. in a foreign land
its organization, headquarters, or place of residency
organized missionary work
a group of persons sent to a foreign government to conduct negotiations; diplomatic delegation; embassy
a group of technicians, specialists, etc. sent to a foreign country
the special duty or function for which someone is sent as a messenger or representative; errand
the special task or purpose for which a person is apparently destined in life; calling
any charitable, educational, or religious organization for helping persons in need
a series of special religious services designed to increase faith or bring about conversion
a district without a church of its own, served by a nearby church
☆ Mil. a specific combat operation assigned to an individual or unit; esp., a single combat flight by an airplane or group of airplanes
adjective
of a mission or missions
☆ of or in the style of the early Spanish missions in the SW U.S.; specif., designating a type of heavy, dark furniture with simple, square lines
transitive verb
to send on a mission
to establish a religious mission in (district) or among (a people)
See mission in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(mĭshˈən)
noun
a. A body of persons sent to conduct negotiations or establish relations with a foreign country.
b. The business with which such a body of persons is charged.
c. A permanent diplomatic office abroad.
d. A body of experts or dignitaries sent to a foreign country.
a. A body of persons sent to a foreign land by a religious organization, especially a Christian organization, to spread its faith or provide educational, medical, and other assistance.
b. A mission established abroad.
c. The district assigned to a mission worker.
d. A building or compound housing a mission.
e. An organization for carrying on missionary work in a territory.
f. missions Missionary duty or work.
A Christian church or congregation with no cleric of its own that depends for support on a larger religious organization.
A series of special Christian services for purposes of proselytizing.
A welfare or educational organization established for the needy people of a district.
a. A special assignment given to a person or group: an agent on a secret mission.
b. A combat operation assigned to a person or military unit.
c. An aerospace operation intended to carry out specific program objectives: a mission to Mars.
An inner calling to pursue an activity or perform a service; a vocation.