the power to issue directives accompanied by the right to expect obedience

the position of a person who has such power

delegated power or authorization

(the authorities) people in command; specif a governmental or law-enforcing agency

(often Authority) a governmental body that administers a public service or enterprise

a citation used in defence or support of one's actions, opinions, or beliefs, or the source from which the citation is drawn

an individual cited or appealed to as an expert

effective influence or conviction

the right granted by one person to another to act on his or her behalf

weight, strength, or conviction resulting from practice and expertise