magisterial

[maj-uh-steer-ee-uh l] /ˌmædʒ əˈstɪər i əl/
adjective
1.
of, pertaining to, or befitting a master; authoritative; weighty; of importance or consequence:
a magisterial pronouncement by the director of the board.
2.
imperious; domineering:
a magisterial tone of command.
3.
of or befitting a magistrate or the office of a magistrate:
The judge spoke with magisterial gravity.
4.
of the rank of a magistrate:
magisterial standing.
Origin
1625-35; < Late Latin magisteriālis; see magisterium, -al1
Related forms
magisterially, adverb
magisterialness, noun
unmagisterial, adjective
Can be confused
magisterial, magistrate, majestic.
Examples from the web for magisterial
  • Snipes sat erect, grasping a gavel and looking magisterial in his robes.
  • Above all, it is a popular practice that took hold without magisterial sanction.
  • Constant throughout this magisterial exhibit is an impression of physical and psychic concentration.
British Dictionary definitions for magisterial

magisterial

/ˌmædʒɪˈstɪərɪəl/
adjective
1.
commanding; authoritative
2.
domineering; dictatorial
3.
of or relating to a teacher or person of similar status
4.
of or relating to a magistrate
Derived Forms
magisterially, adverb
magisterialness, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Late Latin magisteriālis, from magister master
Word Origin and History for magisterial
adj.

1630s, from Medieval Latin magisterialis "of or pertaining to the office of magistrate, director, or teacher," from Late Latin magisterius "having authority of a magistrate," from magister "chief, director" (see master (n.)). Related: Magisterially.