power of attorney

noun

Law.

1. a written document given by one person or party to another authorizing the latter to act for the former.

power of attorney

noun

1. legal authority to act for another person in certain specified matters

2. the document conferring such authority

Word History and Origins

Origin of power of attorney¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

You can, along with a financial adviser, teach them how to evaluate risk and assess long-term gains, or offer to hold their power of attorney.

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Otherwise, you cannot take those steps unless a person with power of attorney OKs it.

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It’s always best if you can bring your person to the bank to enact the power of attorney.

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Name a power of attorney to make financial decisions should you become incapacitated, and medical power of attorney.

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As the one holding my mother’s power of attorney, I had pledged to be a careful steward.

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Related Words

• agency 
• authority 
• delegation 
• office