a.; also 7 autor- [f. AUTHORITY: see -ATIVE.]
1. Of authority, of the nature of authority, exercising or assuming power; imperative, dictatorial, commanding.
1605. Answ. Supp. Disc. Rom. Doc., 38. What authoritative Sermons to the Religious … they vsed.
1659. Pearson, Creed (1741), 44. God’s authoritative or potestative power.
a. 1733. North, Lives, III. 132. He was diligent and in acting authoritative.
1749. Fielding, Tom Jones (1775), III. 160. The first time Thwackum ever wrote in this authoritative stile.
a. 1850. Rossetti, Dante & Circle, II. (1874), 264. Its authoritative minuteness in matters which ladies now-a-days would probably consider their own undisputed region.
2. Possessing due or acknowledged authority; entitled to obedience or acceptance.
1653. Gauden, Hierasp., To Reader 40. An authoritative ministry.
1664. H. More, Myst. Iniq., 449. A number sufficient to constitute an Authoritative Church.
1833. I. Taylor, Fanat., viii. 301. A written and authoritative canon of faith.
1871. Markby, Elem. Law, § 42, note. Opinions which are not in a forensic sense authoritative.
1880. Muirhead, Gaius, Introd. 22. The authoritative edition is that of Mommsen.
3. Proceeding from a competent authority.
1809. Cobbett, State Trials, I. 323. To all which both of us do give our authoritative decree and sanction.
1812. J. Henry, Camp. agst. Quebec, 54. No firing without authoritative permission.
1853. Marsden, Early Purit., 265. An authoritative declaration of pardon.
