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magistracy

[maj-uh-struh-see]
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noun, plural mag·is·tra·cies.
  1. the office or function of a magistrate.
  2. a body of magistrates.
  3. the district under a magistrate.
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Also mag·is·tra·ture [maj-uh-strey-cher] /ˈmædʒ əˌstreɪ tʃər/.

Origin of magistracy

First recorded in 1570–80; magistr(ate) + -acy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for magistracy

Historical Examples

  • He had taken to himself every title, united every magistracy in his person.

    The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete

    Emile Zola

  • The select judges are to be appointed by the magistrates, who are to choose one from every magistracy.

    Laws

    Plato

  • All magistrates, whatever be their tenure of office, must give an account of their magistracy.

    Laws

    Plato

  • This is said of magistracy in general, and is a doctrine for every one (to receive).

  • But why should we be obedient to the magistracy for God's sake?

British Dictionary definitions for magistracy

magistracy

magistrature (ˈmædʒɪstrəˌtjʊə)

noun plural -cies or -tures
  1. the office or function of a magistrate
  2. magistrates collectively
  3. the district under the jurisdiction of a magistrate
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012