advb. phrase. [L. ex out of, according to + officiō, abl. of officium duty, office.] In discharge of one’s duty, in virtue of one’s office; hence, as quasi-adj. = OFFICIAL.
1533. More, Apol., xl. Wks. 907/2. The conuenting of heretikes ex officio.
1607. Cowell, Interpr., s.v. Office, A thing found by Inquisition made ex officio.
1610. Bp. Hall, Apol. Brownists, § 40. 99. No Enquiry Ex officio may be thus made.
1712. Prideaux, Direct. Ch.-wardens (ed. 4), 94. He may call them ex Officio to Account.
1812. Examiner, 23 Aug., 529/1. He does not strike at the Ex-officio Information itself.
1886. Oxf. Univ. Calendar, 18. The Proctors are ex-officio members of each of the under-mentioned Committees.
Hence Ex-official a., proceeding from office or authority.
1847. in Craig; hence in some mod. Dicts.
