ˈmændeɪt n. & v. --n. 1 an
official command or
instruction by an
authority. 2
support for a policy or
course of
action, regarded by a
victorious party,
candidate,
etc., as derived
from the wishes of the
people in an
election. 3 a
commission to
act for
another. 4
Law a commission by
which a party is entrusted to
perform a service,
often gratuitously
and with indemnity against loss by
that party. 5
hist. a commission from the League of Nations to a
member State to
administer a
territory. 6 a
papal decree or
decision. --v.tr. 1
instruct (a delegate) to act or
vote in a
certain way. 2 (usu. foll. by to) hist.
commit (a territory etc.) to a
mandatary. øømandator n. [L mandatum, neut.
past part. of mandare command f. manus
hand +
dare give:
sense 2 of n.
after F mandat]