What is "apocrisiarius"

Apocrisiary \Ap`o*cris"i*a*ry\, ||Apocrisiarius \Ap`o*cris`i*a"ri*us\, n. [L. apocrisiarius, apocrisarius, fr. Gr. ? answer, fr. ? to answer; ? from + ? to separate.] (Eccl.) A delegate or deputy; especially, the pope's nuncio or legate at Constantinople.

n. (context historical English) A high diplomatic representative, approximately equivalent to a papal nuncio.

An apocrisiarius, the Latinized form of apokrisiarios , sometimes Anglicized as apocrisiary, was a high diplomatic representative during Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. The corresponding (purist) Latin term was responsalis ("he who answers"). The title was used by Byzantine ambassadors, as well as by the representatives of bishops to the secular authorities. The closest modern equivalent is a papal nuncio; the title apocrisiarius is also still employed by the Anglican Church.