definition of
authority

[1] #1 authority n. [authorization, authorisation, potency, dominance, say-so] the power or right to give orders or make decisions; "he has the authority to issue warrants"; "deputies are given authorization to make arrests"; "a place of potency in the state". wn

[2] #2 authority n. (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others; "the authorities have issued a curfew". wn

[3] #3 authority n. an expert whose views are taken as definitive; "he is an authority on corporate law". wn

[4] #4 authority n. [assurance, self-assurance, confidence, self-confidence, sureness] freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities; "his assurance in his superiority did not make him popular"; "after that failure he lost his confidence"; "she spoke with authority". wn

[5] #5 authority n. [agency, federal agency, government agency, bureau, office] an administrative unit of government; "the Central Intelligence Agency"; "the Census Bureau"; "Office of Management and Budget"; "Tennessee Valley Authority". wn