Thus can the demigod, Authority, Make us pay down
for our offense. --Shak.
By what authority doest thou these things ? --Matt.
xxi. 23.
2. Government; the persons or the body exercising power or
command; as, the local authorities of the States; the
military authorities. [Chiefly in the plural.]
3. The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem;
influence of character, office, or station, or mental or
moral superiority, and the like; claim to be believed or
obeyed; as, an historian of no authority; a magistrate of
great authority.
4. That which, or one who, is claimed or appealed to in
support of opinions, actions, measures, etc. Hence:
(a) Testimony; witness. ``And on that high authority had
believed.'' --Milton.
(b) A precedent; a decision of a court, an official
declaration, or an opinion, saying, or statement
worthy to be taken as a precedent.
(c) A book containing such a statement or opinion, or the
author of the book.
(d) Justification; warrant.
Wilt thou be glass wherein it shall discern
Authority for sin, warrant for blame. --Shak.