ETYM Old Eng. autorite, auctorite, French autorité, from Latin auctoritas, from auctor. Related to Author.
(politics) In a political system, the capacity to take and enforce decisions. The nature, sources, and limitations of political authority have been much debated questions since the time of the ancient Greeks.1. (Usually plural) Persons who exercise (administrative) control over others.
2. A grant of authority to the executive branch of government to spend money for specified purposes; SYN. authorization.
3. An authoritative written work.
4. An expert whose views are taken as definitive.
5. The power to exercise authoritative or dominating control or influence over; SYN. dominance, say-so.

ETYM Old Fren. commandement, French commandement.
Something that is commanded.

ETYM Old Eng. pouer, poer, Old Fren. poeir, pooir, French pouvoir, n and v , from Late Lat. potere, for Latin posse, potesse, to be able, to have power. Related to Possible, Potent, Posse comitatus.
1. Possession of controlling influence; SYN. powerfulness, potency.
2. One possessing or exercising power or influence or authority; SYN. force.
3. (Physics) The rate of doing work; measured in watts (joules/second).

A person who prescribes, rules on, or is a recognized authority on matters of social behavior and taste.

1. Having authority or ascendancy or influence; SYN. important.
2. Of recognized authority or excellence; SYN. classical, definitive.
3. Sanctioned by established authority; SYN. authorized.