agent
/ˈeɪdʒənt/
A person or organization that acts on behalf of another, the principal, within the limits of the authority given.
Definition
An agent is someone empowered to act for another party. The party being represented is called the principal. Agents appear across industries: a talent agent negotiates for performers, a real-estate agent helps buy or sell property, an insurance agent arranges cover, and a travel agent books trips. The common thread is delegated authority. What an agent says or signs within that authority can bind the principal, which is why the relationship carries duties of honesty and care. In everyday speech the word also covers software that acts automatically, though the legal meaning is the foundation of the term.
In a sentence
The agent negotiated the contract terms while her client was travelling.
A good agent explains which decisions need the principal's sign-off.
