power of appointment

noun

, Law.

1. the authority granted by a donor to a donee to select the person or persons who are to enjoy property rights or income upon the death of the donor or of the donee or after the termination of existing rights or interests.

power of appointment

noun

1. property law authority to appoint persons either from a particular class ( special power ) or selected by the donee of the power ( general power ) to take an estate or interest in property

Word History and Origins

Origin of power of appointment¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

According to David Lewis, executive director of Corruption Watch, a Johannesburg-based NGO that investigated the Guptas, the president's powers of appointment were key to the success of the alleged conspiracy.

From BBC

Another norm-breaking departure from previous presidents is Trump’s bullying of the Federal Reserve, an independent entity yet one over which the White House holds the power of appointment and reappointment of its leadership.

From Seattle Times

The power of appointment, although not exercised, defeats the spendthrift provision set forth in the Trust.

From Forbes

He will use his power of appointment to ensure that the next Bank of Japan chief, who replaces the current governor, Masaaki Shirakawa, in April, shares his views on easing.

From The Guardian

Tax Court case in which one spouse had the power of appointment in one trust, but the other spouse didn't have the same power in the other.

From Wall Street Journal