noun pl. authorities -·ties

1. 1. the power or right to give commands, enforce obedience, take action, or make final decisions; jurisdiction
   2. the position of one having such power a person in authority
2. such power as delegated to another; authorization; warrant he has my authority to do it
3. power or influence resulting from knowledge, prestige, etc.
4. 1. the citation of a writing, decision, etc. in support of an opinion, action, etc.
   2. the writing, etc. cited
5. reliability of a source or witness
6. 1. persons, esp. in government, having the power or right to enforce orders, laws, etc.
   2. a government agency that administers a project
7. a person with much knowledge or experience in some field, whose information or opinion is hence reliable; expert
8. self-assurance and expertness that come with experience the pianist's performance lacked authority

Etymology: ME autorite < OFr autorité, auctorité < L auctoritas < auctor, author