Antimagistratical

/ænˌtɪˌmædʒɪˈstreɪtɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Opposed to or acting against magistrates, judicial authority, or the exercise of official government power.

Etymology

From 'anti-' + 'magistratical' (from Latin 'magistratus', magistrate, + English '-ical'). A rare legal and political term from early modern English describing resistance to court authority.

Kelly Says

Antimagistratical arguments appear in English legal disputes from the 1600s, especially during conflicts between Parliament and the Crown—the word itself became a weapon in debates about who held legitimate authority.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.