law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"

power of appointment - authority given (in a will or deed) by a donor to a donee to appoint the beneficiaries of the donor's property

control - power to direct or determine; "under control"

command - the power or authority to command; "an admiral in command"

imperium - supreme authority; absolute dominion

lordship - the authority of a lord

muscle - authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way); "the senators used their muscle to get the party leader to resign"

sovereignty - the authority of a state to govern another state

permission - approval to do something; "he asked permission to leave"

management, direction - the act of managing something; "he was given overall management of the program"; "is the direction of the economy a function of government?"

sanction - the act of final authorization; "it had the sanction of the church"

loan approval - formal authorization to get a loan (usually from a bank)

rubber stamp - routine authorization of an action without questions