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the charge of the person or estate of another, as of a lunatic, is committed by suitable authority; a guardian.

us and exeditious ways. Woodward. Three things be required in the oration of a man having authority -- that it be compendious, sententious, and delectable. Sir T. Elyot.

Right or authority; legal power or capacity to take cognizance of a cause; as, the competence of a judge or court. Kent.

-- followed by to. [Rare, except in legal usage.] That is the privillege of the infinite Author of things, . . . but is not competent to any finite being. Locke.

One who composes; an author. Specifically, an author of a piece of music. If the thoughts of such authors have nothing in them, they at least . . . show an honest industry and a good intention in the composer. Addison. His [Mozart's] most brilliant and solid glory is founded upon his talents as a composer. Moore (Encyc…

Obligatory; enjoined by authority; necessary; due to complusion. This contribution therestening fall infinitely short of their hopes, they soon made it compulsory. Burke.

, which expresseth not enough, but leaves somewhat to be understood. B. Jonson. Where the author is . . . too brief and concise, amplify a little. I. Watts.

Joint and equal in authority; taking cognizance of similar questions; operating on the same objects; as, the concurrent jurisdiction of courts.

A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.

A priest who hears the confessions of others and is authorized to grant them absolution.

n Scripture has a consequential necessity of being believed . . . because it is of divine authority. Locke. These kind of arguments . . . are highly consequential and concludent to my purpose. Sir M. Hale.

Claim to notice or regard; some degree of importance or consequence. Lucan is the only author of consideration among the Latin poets who was not explained for . . . the Dauphin. Addison.

To cause to stand; to establish; to enact. Laws appointed and constituted by lawful authority. Jer. Taylor.

An authoritative ordinance, regulation or enactment; especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one affecting ecclesiastical doctrine or disipline; as, the constitutions of Justinian. The positive constutions of our own churches. Hooker. A constitution of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius, then prefect of Rome, for th…

In accordance with, or authorized by, the constitution of a state or a society; as, constitutional reforms.

The theory, principles, or authority of constitutional government; attachment or adherene to a constitution or constitutional government. Carlyle.

The state of being consistent with the constitution or frame of government, or of being authorized by its provisions. Burke. Constitutionalities, bottomless cavilings and questionings about written laws. Carlyle.

presence of a court, tending to disturb its proceedings, or impair the respect due to its authority.

o strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue. The question which our author would contend for. Locke. Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial. Dr. H. More.

that place the subjects in such a state contravene the first principles of the compact of authority. Johnson.