ultra vires Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective beyond the legal power or authority of a person or official or body etc
    • an ultra vires contract
  2. adverb beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority

WordNet

Ul`tra vi"res
Etymology
Law Latin, from L. prep. ultra beyond + vires, pl. of. vis strength.
Definitions
  1. Beyond power; transcending authority; -- a phrase used frequently in relation to acts or enactments by corporations in excess of their chartered or statutory rights.

Webster 1913