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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

agency \a"gen*cy\ ([=a]"jen*s[y^]), n.; pl. Agencies ([=a]"jen*s[i^]z). [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. [1913 Webster] The superintendence and agency of Providence in the natural world. --Woodward. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] 3. The place of business of an agent. [1913 Webster] 4. An organization or business that provides some service, primarily for other organizations; as, an advertising agency. [PJC] 5. An administrative division of a government; as, a state welfare agency; a motor vehicle agency; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). [PJC] Syn: Action; operation; efficiency; management. [1913 Webster]