MAGISTRATE

[mag.is.trate] n [ME magestrat, fr. L magistratus magistracy, magistrate, fr. magistr-, magister master, political superior--more at master] (14c): an official entrusted with administration of the laws: as a: a principal official exercising governmental powers over a major political unit (as a nation) b: a local official exercising administrative and often judicial functions c: a local judiciary official having limited original jurisdiction esp. in criminal cases -- mag.is.trat.i.cal adj -- mag.is.trat.i.cal.ly adv