authority (redirected from authorities)

authority

1. a public board or corporation exercising governmental authority in administering some enterprise

2. Law

a. a judicial decision, statute, or rule of law that establishes a principle; precedent

b. legal permission granted to a person to perform a specified act

---

Authority

cathedra

throne indicative of religious power. [Folklore: Jobes, 307]

crook staff

carried as a symbol of office and authority. [Western Culture: Misc.]

crosier

bishop’s staff signifying his ruling power. [Christian Symbolism: Appleton, 21]

cross and ball

signifies that spiritual power is above temporal. [Heraldry: Jobes, 387]

crown

headpiece worn as symbol of royal authority. [Western Culture: Misc.]

double bar cross

signifies archbishops, cardinals, and patriarchs. [Christian Iconog.: Jobes, 386]

eagle

attribute of Zeus, thus of authority. [Art: Hall, 109]

fasces

rods bundled about ax; emblem of magistrates, Fascists. [Rom. Hist.: Hall, 119; Ital. Hist.: Brewer Dictionary, 399]

gavel

small mallet used by judge or presiding officer to signal order. [Western Culture: Misc.]

globe

in Christ child’s hands signifies power and dominion. [Christian Symbolism: de Bles, 25]

Hoyle

authoritative rules for playing cards and other games. [Misc.: Barnhart, 590]

keys

symbolic of St. Peter’s spiritual authority. [Christian Symbolism: N.T.: Matthew 16:19]

Lord’s Anointed, the

Jewish or other king by divine right. [Judaism: O.T.: I Samuel 26:9]

mace

ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of office and authority. [Western Culture: Misc.]

miter

bishop’s headdress signifying his authority. [Christian Symbolism: EB VI]

nimbus

cloud of light signifying might, divinely imparted. [Gk. Lit.: Iliad]

Ozymandias

king of ancient Egypt, evoked by Shelley as an example of the perishability of power. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 749]

pectoral cross

worn by prelates on chain around neck. [Christian Iconog.: Child, 255; Jobes, 386]

purple

color worn by persons of high rank. [Western Culture: Misc.]

rod

wand or staff carried as a symbol of office and authority. [Western Culture: Misc.]

scepter

symbol of regal or imperial power and authority. [Western Culture: Misc.]

Stone of Scone

coronation stone where kings of Scotland were crowned. [Br. Hist.: Brewer Dictionary, 970]

throne

seat of political or religious authority. [Western Folklore: Jobes, 1567]

triple cross

three upper arms; symbolizes authority of the pope. [Christian Iconog.: Jobes, 386]