potestas

[ poh-tes-tahs, -tuhs ]

noun

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

Other Words From

• po·testal 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

Such is the tremendous influence of lifelong habit, the irresistible power of the patria potestas when it has never been relaxed.

From Project Gutenberg

Questions of potestas naturally range themselves under more than one head.

From Project Gutenberg

But from the undisputed existence of patria potestas no similar inference can be drawn.

From Project Gutenberg

Change of rule of descent; relation to potestas, inheritance and local organisation.

From Project Gutenberg

Every conquering race has accordingly developed the "patria potestas" to a greater or less degree.

From Project Gutenberg