potestas

[ poh-tes-tahs, -tuhs ]

noun

1. the authority of a paterfamilias over all members of his family and household.

Other Words From

• po·testal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of potestas¹

First recorded in 1650–60, potestas is from the Latin word potestās literally, power, control, authority

Example Sentences

The patria potestas, the authority of the father, was absolute.

From Salon

On the headboard of one of the beds, some past student had inscribed, with a Sharpie and a careful hand: ipsa scientia potestas est.

From Literature

Roman law granted immunity to certain elected officials whose offices entitled the holder to “imperium” or “potestas” or to officials whose office was “sacred.”

From Salon

But the old patria potestas had become completely obsolete, and the practical effect of the general adoption of this form of marriage was the absolute legal independence of the wife.

From Project Gutenberg

Any conviction involving deportation or the mines carried with it confiscation, though the wife could reclaim her dower and any gifts made to her before the commission of the offence, and so could children emancipated from the patria potestas.

From Project Gutenberg