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