Charg'e d'affaires \Char`g['e]" d'af`faires"\, n.; pl. {Charg['e]s d'affaires}. [F., ``charged with affairs.''] A diplomatic representative, or minister of an inferior grade, accredited by the government of one state to the minister of foreign affairs of another; also, a substitute, ad interim, for an ambassador or minister plenipotentiary.