Main Entry: mag·is·trate

Pronunciation: \ˈma-jə-ˌstrāt, -strət\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English magestrat, from Latin magistratus magistracy, magistrate, from magistr-, magister master, political superior — more at master

Date: 14th century

: an official entrusted with administration of the laws: as a : a principal official exercising governmental powers over a major political unit (as a nation) b : a local official exercising administrative and often judicial functions c : a local judiciary official having limited original jurisdiction especially in criminal cases

— mag·is·trat·i·cal \ˌma-jə-ˈstra-ti-kəl\ adjective