power of appointment

American  

noun

Law.

1. the authority granted by a donor to a donee to select the person or persons who are to enjoy property rights or income upon the death of the donor or of the donee or after the termination of existing rights or interests.

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power of appointment British  

noun

1. property law authority to appoint persons either from a particular class ( special power ) or selected by the donee of the power ( general power ) to take an estate or interest in property

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Etymology

Origin of power of appointment

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Moreover, some of the constitutions assigned the power of appointment of law enforcement officials to the legislature with no role for the governor, and some assigned this appointment power to the judges.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2018

The power of appointment, although not exercised, defeats the spendthrift provision set forth in the Trust.

From Forbes • Aug. 23, 2014

That’s pretty much how the presidential power of appointment is supposed to work.

From Slate • Nov. 21, 2013

Just as Andropov promoted several of his own men into the party machinery, Chernenko could use his power of appointment to consolidate control.

From Time Magazine Archive

He has not been turned out by any exercise of the power of appointment, for no appointment has been made.

From The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster With an Essay on Daniel Webster as a Master of English Style by Webster, Daniel