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potestas

noun
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po·​tes·​tas | \ -eˌstäs, -tas \
plural potestates\ ˌpōˌteˈstäˌtās , ˌpätəˈstāt(ˌ)ēz \

Definition of potestas

: the legal authority of a Roman citizen over his descendants and others in his household — compare patria potestas

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History and Etymology for potestas

Latin potestat-, potestas power, irregular from potis able, capable + -tat-, -tas -ty

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“Potestas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potestas. Accessed 2 Mar. 2021.

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