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

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

From Forbes • Aug. 23, 2014

The Constitution gives the president the power of appointment, for federal judges and cabinet members and other officials, and normally he must obtain the consent of the Senate for his choices.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2014

Those who have the power of appointment have long known of Mayor Chandler's intention.

From Time Magazine Archive

The power of appointment was not infrequently vested in the governor of the state.

From The Deaf Their Position in Society and the Provision for Their Education in the United States by Best, Harry