Word Study from
Bouvier's 1856 Law Dictionary
"Authority"


DEFINITION

AUTHORITY, contracts. The delegation of power by one person to another.

AUTHORITY, government. The right and power which an officer has in the exercise of a public function to compel obedience to his lawful commands. A judge, for example, has authority to enforce obedience to his not being correct. Merlin, Repertoire, mot Authentique.

MAXIMS