ˌju̇rə̇sˈdikshən, -ə̇zˈ, -ə̇ˈsti- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English jurisdiccioun, jurediccioun, from Old French & Latin; Old French juridiction, jurediction, from Latin jurisdiction-, jurisdictio, from juris (gen. of jus right, law) + diction-, dictio act of saying, delivery in public speaking — more at just , diction
1. : the legal power, right, or authority to hear and determine a cause considered either in general or with reference to a particular matter : legal power to interpret and administer the law in the premises
2. : authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate : power or right to exercise authority : control
an American theatrical trade union having jurisdiction over dancers and singers — Anatole Chujoy
territory subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. — G.W.Johnson
3. : the limits or territory within which any particular power may be exercised : sphere of authority
head of one of the world's smallest Masonic jurisdictions — Associated Press
specifically : an assignment of organizing rights by a national labor federation to a constituent union
Synonyms: see power