Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MES'SAGE, n. [Fr. from L. missus, mitto, to send; Sp. mensage.]

1. Any notice, word or communication, written or verbal, sent from one person to another. We send a servant with a verbal or written message. The welcome message made, was soon received. Dryden.
2. An official written communication of facts or opinions sent by a chief magistrate to the two houses of a legislature or other deliberative body. Congress receives a message from the President of the United States at the opening of the session. The Governors of some of the states communicate to the legislature by message, others by address.
3. An official verbal communication from one branch of a legislature to the other.