potestas
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of potestas
First recorded in 1650–60, potestas is from the Latin word potestās literally, power, control, authority
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some enslaved people were sold into bondage through patria potestas.
From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023
The patria potestas, the authority of the father, was absolute.
From Salon • Oct. 23, 2022
On the headboard of one of the beds, some past student had inscribed, with a Sharpie and a careful hand: ipsa scientia potestas est.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
It took its earliest colour from that conception of the patria potestas, or the power of the head of the family over its members, which enters so deeply into the jurisprudence of ancient Rome.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various
Servus olim erat Mancipium, in quem Domino potestas fuit vitæ & necis At this day the poorer sort serve in a free manner, being hired for Wages.
From The Orbis Pictus by Hoole, Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
