potentate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a ruler who is unconstrained by law
    dictator.

WordNet

Po"ten*tate noun
Etymology
LL. potentatus, fr. potentare to exercise power: cf. F. potentat. See Potent, a.
Definitions
  1. One who is potent; one who possesses great power or sway; a prince, sovereign, or monarch.
    The blessed and only potentate. 1 Tim. vi. 15.
    Cherub and seraph, potentates and thrones. Milton.

Webster 1913