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

Your money will stay in a bank or a brokerage, and part of what’s in your agreement may be the permission for the adviser to make trades on your behalf, as a power of attorney.

From MarketWatch

Being a child or caretaker, or holding power of attorney, does not make it ethical or lawful to transfer property into one’s own name.

From MarketWatch

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

Related Words

• agency
• authority
• delegation
• office