Main Entry: ju·ris·dic·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌju̇r-əs-ˈdik-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English jurisdiccioun, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French jurisdiction, from Latin jurisdiction-, jurisdictio, from juris + diction-, dictio act of saying — more at diction

Date: 14th century

1 : the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
2 a : the authority of a sovereign power to govern or legislate b : the power or right to exercise authority : control
3 : the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised

synonyms see power

— ju·ris·dic·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— ju·ris·dic·tion·al·ly adverb