I. ˈman-ˌdāt noun
Etymology: Middle French & Latin; Middle French mandat, from Latin mandatum, from neuter of mandatus, past participle of mandare to entrust, enjoin, probably irregular from manus hand + -dere to put — more at manual , do
Date: 1501
1. : an authoritative command ; especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one
2. : an authorization to act given to a representative
accepted the mandate of the people
3.
a. : an order or commission granted by the League of Nations to a member nation for the establishment of a responsible government over a former German colony or other conquered territory
b. : a mandated territory
II. transitive verb
( man·dat·ed ; man·dat·ing )
Date: 1919
1. : to administer or assign (as a territory) under a mandate
2. : to make mandatory : order ; also : direct , require