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

According to David Lewis, executive director of Corruption Watch, a Johannesburg-based NGO that investigated the Guptas, the president's powers of appointment were key to the success of the alleged conspiracy.

From BBC

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

From Forbes

He will use his power of appointment to ensure that the next Bank of Japan chief, who replaces the current governor, Masaaki Shirakawa, in April, shares his views on easing.

From The Guardian

Tax Court case in which one spouse had the power of appointment in one trust, but the other spouse didn't have the same power in the other.

From The Wall Street Journal

One who appoints, or executes a power of appointment.

From Project Gutenberg