First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
magistrate
noun mag·is·trate \ˈma-jə-ˌstrāt, -strət\
: a local official who has some of the powers of a judge
Full Definition of MAGISTRATE
: an official entrusted with administration of the laws: as a : a principal official exercising governmental powers over a major political unit (as a nation) b : a local official exercising administrative and often judicial functions c : a local judiciary official having limited original jurisdiction especially in criminal cases
— mag·is·trat·i·cal \ˌma-jə-ˈstra-ti-kəl\ adjective
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Origin of MAGISTRATE
Middle English magestrat, from Latin magistratus magistracy, magistrate, from magistr-, magister master, political superior — more at master
Related to MAGISTRATE
- Synonyms
- adjudicator, arbiter, arbitrator, referee, umpire
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with MAGISTRATE
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MAGISTRATE Defined for Kids
magistrate
noun mag·is·trate \ˈma-jə-ˌstrāt\
Definition of MAGISTRATE for Kids
1
: a chief officer of government
2
: a local official with some judicial power
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