letters of administration

plural noun

, Law.

1. an instrument issued by a court or public official authorizing an administrator to take control of and dispose of the estate of a deceased person.

letters of administration

plural noun

1. law a formal document nominating a specified person to take over, administer, and dispose of an estate when there is no executor to carry out the testator's will

Word History and Origins

Origin of letters of administration¹

First recorded in 1490–1500