noun
magistrate
MAJ-ih-strayt/ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/
A civil officer or judge with limited legal authority.
The magistrate examines the damaged bicycle wheel during the small civil hearing.
Etymology
The base meaning “chief” underlies a term first naming an official rank or office, then its holder. In English, this broad idea of a civil authority narrowed to officials such as justices of the peace.
In context
in fact Abraham Matthew joined as civil judge Junior grade and the first class magistrate way back in 1988
More examples
- A magistrate sets bail at the initial hearing.
- The landlord brings the small claim before a magistrate.
- Two magistrates share responsibility for preliminary hearings.
Forms
magistrate · magistrates
Similar words
- judge
- A broader title, often carrying greater authority over court proceedings.
- adjudicator
- May resolve disputes outside courts, including in administrative proceedings.