1. A division of a greater whole; a subdivision (a legal department).
2. A country’s division of territory, usu. for governmental and administrative purposes, as in the division of a state into counties (France has regional departments similar to states).
3. A principal branch or division of government (legislative department); specif., a division of the executive branch of the U.S. government, headed by a secretary who is a member of the President’s cabinet (Department of Labor). [Cases: United States 30. C.J.S. United States § 49.] — departmental, adj.
