power of attorney

  1. : an instrument containing an authorization for one to act as the agent of the principal that terminates especially upon revocation by the principal or death of the principal or agent — called also letter of attorney

    — durable power of attorney
    : a power of attorney that becomes effective immediately and is not affected by the principal's subsequent incapacity or that becomes effective only upon the principal's incapacity

    — general power of attorney
    : a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry on business or an enterprise for the principal — compare special power of attorney in this entry

    — health care power of attorney
    : a power of attorney authorizing an agent to make health care decisions in the event of incapacity — called also medical power of attorney

    — irrevocable power of attorney
    : a power of attorney that cannot be revoked by the principal

    — special power of attorney
    : a power of attorney authorizing the agent to carry out a particular business transaction for the principal

    — springing power of attorney
    : a power of attorney that comes into effect only upon the occurrence of a specified condition (as the incapacity of the principal)