magistracy

noun

mag·​is·​tra·​cy ˈma-jə-strə-sē How to pronounce magistracy (audio)
plural magistracies
1
: the state of being a magistrate
2
: the office, power, or dignity of a magistrate
3
: a body of magistrates
4
: the district under a magistrate

Examples of magistracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There was lots of solemn business in the Senate about giving him the powers of various historic magistracies. Christopher Tayler, Harper's Magazine, 18 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magistracy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of magistracy was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near magistracy

Cite this Entry

“Magistracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magistracy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

magistracy

noun
mag·​is·​tra·​cy ˈmaj-ə-strə-sē How to pronounce magistracy (audio)
plural magistracies
1
: the state of being a magistrate
2
: the office, power, or dignity of a magistrate
3
: a body of magistrates

More from Merriam-Webster on magistracy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!