power of attorney


noun Law.

a written document given by one person or party to another authorizing the latter to act for the former.

Origin of power of attorney

First recorded in 1740–50

Example sentences from the Web for power of attorney

  • You have nothing to do, M. Champcey, but to give M. de Brevan a power-of-attorney in proper form.

    The Clique of Gold |Emile Gaboriau
  • When some one holding my power-of-attorney presents himself at Brescia, payment cannot be refused.

    The Patriot |Antonio Fogazzaro
  • It was five o'clock, when the power-of-attorney and the deed were signed, and the two friends left the worthy notary's office.

    The Clique of Gold |Emile Gaboriau

British Dictionary definitions for power of attorney

power of attorney

noun

legal authority to act for another person in certain specified matters
the document conferring such authority
Sometimes shortened to: letter of attorney