v. i. [ LL. missa Mass + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See fy-. ] To perform Mass. [ Obs. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. missils, fr. mittere, missum, to cause to go, to send, to throw; cf. Lith. mesti to throw: cf. F. missile. Cf. Admit, Dismiss, Mass the religious service, Message, Mission. ] Capable of being thrown; adapted for hurling or to be projected from the hand, or from any instrument or engine{ 2 }, so as to strike an object at a distance. [ 1913 Webster ]

We bend the bow, or wing the missile dart. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. missile. ] 1. A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projected, as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A rocket-propelled device designed to fly through the air and deliver a warhead of explosive materials to a target. [ PJC ]

Numerous types of rocket-propelled missile{ 2 } are now used in modern warfare. Some types with names indicating their range or function are: antiaircraft missile; ballistic missile; cruise missile; antiballistic missile missile; air-to-air missile; air-to-ground missile; guided missile; intercontinental ballistic missile (IBM); intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM); surface-to-air missile.

a. [ From Miss, v. i. ] Absent from the place where it was expected to be found; lost; lacking; wanting; not present when called or looked for. [ 1913 Webster ]

Neither was there aught missing unto them. 1 Sam. xxv. 7. [ 1913 Webster ]

For a time caught up to God, as once
Moses was in the mount, and missing long. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With a sense of loss. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To send on a mission. [ Mostly used in the form of the past participle. ] Keats. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. missio, fr. mittere, missum, to send: cf. F. mission. See Missile. ] 1. The act of sending, or the state of being sent; a being sent or delegated by authority, with certain powers for transacting business; comission. [ 1913 Webster ]

Whose glorious deeds, but in these fields of late,
Made emulous missions 'mongst the gods themselves. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That with which a messenger or agent is charged; an errand; business or duty on which one is sent; a commission. [ 1913 Webster ]

How to begin, how to accomplish best
His end of being on earth, and mission high. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Persons sent; any number of persons appointed to perform any service; a delegation; an embassy; as, the Russian mission to the United Nations. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

In these ships there should be a mission of three of the fellows or brethren of Solomon's house. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. An assotiation or organization of missionaries; a station or residence of missionaries. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. An organization for worship and work, dependent on one or more churches. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. A course of extraordinary sermons and services at a particular place and time for the special purpose of quickening the faith and zeal participants, and of converting unbelievers. Addis & Arnold. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. Dismission; discharge from service. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Mission school. (a) A school connected with a mission and conducted by missionaries. (b) A school for the religious instruction of children not having regular church privileges. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Message; errand; commission; deputation. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Missionaries [ Cf. F. missionnaire. See Mission, n. ] One who is sent on a mission; especially, one sent to propagate religion. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

Missionary apostolic, a Roman Catholic missionary sent by commission from the pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to missions; as, a missionary meeting; a missionary fund. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A missionary; an envoy; one who conducts a mission. See Mission, n., 6. “Like mighty missioner you come.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]