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

My grandfather and grandmother set up a trust a few years back, and then my grandmother passed and had her trust become irrevocable, but with a special power of appointment.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2022

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

Into his job with its full power of appointment and dismissal stepped Joseph Vincent McKee, president of the Board of Aldermen.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is all founded on the power of appointment and the power of removal.

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