plenipotentiary

 
Pronunciation: /ˌplɛnɪpəˈtɛnʃ(ə)ri/

noun (plural plenipotentiaries)

  • a person, especially a diplomat, invested with the full power of independent action on behalf of their government, typically in a foreign country.

adjective

  • having full power to take independent action: [postpositive]: a minister plenipotentiary
  • (of power) absolute: he went armed with plenipotentiary powers, to take whatever measures he felt necessary

Origin:

mid 17th century: from medieval Latin plenipotentiarius, from plenus 'full' + potentia 'power'