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 Αὐτοκράτορες. 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 Ἀποστόλοι, and resembled our plenipotentiaries.

AUTO DA FE. See ACT OF FAITH.