power of attorney

American  

noun

Law.

1. a written document given by one person or party to another authorizing the latter to act for the former.

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power of attorney British  

noun

1. legal authority to act for another person in certain specified matters

2. the document conferring such authority

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Etymology

Origin of power of attorney

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Given that your finances are involved in this too, ask him to give you a power of attorney document so you can oversee his finances.

From MarketWatch

The bank refused to accept my power of attorney document and said it needed legal review.

From MarketWatch

Also, create a will, powers of attorney and health directives.

From MarketWatch

Lastly, don’t neglect basic estate planning: create/update your will, add beneficiaries to your stock/bank accounts and establish powers of attorney and health-care directives should you become incapacitated.

From MarketWatch

Related: My rude, ungrateful relative gave her lawyer power of attorney — and has lived to regret it.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• agency
• authority
• delegation
• office