n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the power or right to enforce obedience. b (often foll. by for, or to + infin.) delegated power. 2 (esp. in pl.) a person or body having authority, esp. political or administrative. 3 a an influence exerted on opinion because of recognized knowledge or expertise. b such an influence expressed in a book, quotation, etc. (an authority on vintage cars). c a person whose opinion is accepted, esp. an expert in a subject. 4 the weight of evidence.
[ ME f. OF autorité f. L auctoritas f. auctor: see AUTHOR ]