exequatur

[ ek-si-kwey-ter, -kwot-er ]

noun

1. a written recognition of a consul, issued by the government of the state in which the consul is stationed, giving authorization to exercise appropriate powers.
2. an authorization granted by a secular ruler for the publication of papal bulls or other ecclesiastical enactments to give them binding force.

exequatur

/ ˌɛksɪˈkweɪtə /

noun

1. an official authorization issued by a host country to a consular agent, permitting him to perform his official duties
2. an act by which the civil governments of certain nations permit the laws of the Roman Catholic Church to take effect in their territories

Word History and Origins

Origin of exequatur¹

First recorded in 1780–90; from Latin: literally, “he may perform,” 3rd person singular present subjunctive of ex(s)equī; exequy

Word History and Origins

Origin of exequatur¹

C18: from Latin, literally: let him perform, from exequī to perform, from ex- ¹+ sequī to follow

Example Sentences

Admittance of consuls takes place through the so-called exequatur, granted by the head of the admitting State.

From Project Gutenberg

Eventually the American Government revoked his exequatur, and he made a semi-state return to England in a man-of-war.

From Project Gutenberg

Judgments of courts hold in certain classes of cases, others require first a judicial exequatur.

From Project Gutenberg

Judgments of courts hold in certain classes of cases while in others a judicial exequatur is first required.

From Project Gutenberg

If a consul is not appointed by commission he receives no exequatur; and a notice in the Gazette in this case has to suffice.

From Project Gutenberg