One who is authorized to act for another; a mandatory. This word “is from the French, hut has become somewhat naturalized in our language. Strictly and etymlogically, it means ‘a person employed,’ but, in practice in the French language, it ordinarily is used to signify a person in some official employment, and as generally used with us, though perhaps not confined to any official employment, it is understood to mean some permanent employment or position.” The word is more extensive than “clerk” or “officer.” It signifies any one in place, or having charge or using a function, as well as one in office.
EMPLOYEE
TheLaw.com Law Dictionary & Black's Law Dictionary 2nd Ed.