a person vested with an absolute independent power, by which he is rendered unaccountable to any other for his actions. The power of the Athenian generals, or commanders, was usually limited; so that, at the expiration of their office, they were liable to render an account of their administration. But on some extraordinary occasions they were exempted from this restraint, and sent with a full and uncontrollable authority: in which sense they were styled ἀυτοκράτορες. The same people also applied the name to some of their ambassadors, who were vested, with a full power of determining matters according to their own discretion. These were denominated ἀυτοκράτορες ἀυτοκρατορεῖς, and resembled our plenipotentiaries.

AUTO DA FE, act of faith. See Act of Faith.