potestas
[ poh-tes-tahs, -tuhs ]
noun(in Roman law)
the authority of a paterfamilias over all members of his family and household.
Origin of potestas
1First recorded in 1650–60, potestas is from the Latin word potestās literally, power, control, authority
Other words from potestas
- po·tes·tal, adjective
Words Nearby potestas
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use potestas in a sentence
Such is the tremendous influence of lifelong habit, the irresistible power of the patria potestas when it has never been relaxed.
Tales of the Five Towns | Arnold BennettQuestions of potestas naturally range themselves under more than one head.
Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia | Northcote W. ThomasBut from the undisputed existence of patria potestas no similar inference can be drawn.
Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia | Northcote W. ThomasChange of rule of descent; relation to potestas, inheritance and local organisation.
Kinship Organisations and Group Marriage in Australia | Northcote W. ThomasEvery conquering race has accordingly developed the "patria potestas" to a greater or less degree.
Evolution Of The Japanese, Social And Psychic | Sidney L. Gulick
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