Definition of: charge d'affaires

(shär·zhā′ də·fâr′, Fr. shár·zhā′ dá·fâr′) plural char·gés d'af·faires (shár·zhāz′ də·fâr′, Fr. shár·zhā′ dá·fâr′)
1. A person who temporarily assumes the command of a diplomatic mission in the absence of the regularly appointed chief: in full chargé d'affaires ad interim.
2. A diplomatic representative of the fourth rank accredited by one foreign minister to another, and not to the chief of state. Compare MINISTER RESIDENT, DIPLOMATIC AGENT.