autority -
n. (pl. -ies)
1 a the power or right to enforce obedience. b (often foll. by for, or to + infin.) delegated power.
2 (esp. in pl.) a person or body having authority, esp.
political or administrative.
3 a an influence exerted on opinion because of recognized knowledge or expertise. b such an
influence expressed in a book, quotation, etc. (an authority on
vintage cars). c a person whose opinion is accepted, esp. an expert in a subject.
4 the weight of evidence.
[ME f. OF autorit÷ f. L auctoritas f. auctor: see AUTHOR] 
