potestas

[poh-tes-tahs, -tuhs]

noun

1. the authority of a paterfamilias over all members of his family and household.

Other Word Forms

• potestal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of potestas¹

First recorded in 1650–60, potestas is from the Latin word potestās literally, power, control, authority

Example Sentences

The patria potestas, the authority of the father, was absolute.

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On the headboard of one of the beds, some past student had inscribed, with a Sharpie and a careful hand: ipsa scientia potestas est.

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Roman law granted immunity to certain elected officials whose offices entitled the holder to “imperium” or “potestas” or to officials whose office was “sacred.”

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But the old patria potestas had become completely obsolete, and the practical effect of the general adoption of this form of marriage was the absolute legal independence of the wife.

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Any conviction involving deportation or the mines carried with it confiscation, though the wife could reclaim her dower and any gifts made to her before the commission of the offence, and so could children emancipated from the patria potestas.

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