plenipotentiary

[ plen-uh-puh-ten-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree ]

noun

, plural plen·i·po·ten·ti·ar·ies.

1. a person, especially a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another.

adjective

1. invested with full power or authority, as a diplomatic agent.
2. conferring or bestowing full power, as a commission.
3. absolute or full, as power.

plenipotentiary

/ ˌplɛnɪpəˈtɛnʃərɪ /

adjective

1. (esp of a diplomatic envoy) invested with or possessing full power or authority
2. conferring full power or authority
3. (of power or authority) full; absolute

noun

1. a person invested with full authority to transact business, esp a diplomat authorized to represent a country See also envoy 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenipotentiary¹

From the Medieval Latin word plēnipotentiārius, dating back to 1635–45. See plenipotent, -i-, -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of plenipotentiary¹

C17: from Medieval Latin plēnipotentiārius, from Latin plēnus full + potentia power

Example Sentences

There was no American plenipotentiary empowered to make any political compact with the Islanders.

From Project Gutenberg

A day or two after the new plenipotentiary had set out on his mission, he received a touching letter from his master.

From Project Gutenberg

He appears as it were the latter's unacknowledged representative ashore, a plenipotentiary without credentials.

From Project Gutenberg

None but the like-minded can come plenipotentiary to our court.

From Project Gutenberg

So far, we have alluded only to the instructions prepared before plenipotentiary departure.

From Project Gutenberg