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
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

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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