a. and sb. Also 6–7 executoriall, -ell. [ad. med.L. execūtoriālis, f. L. ex(s)ecūtōri-us: see EXECUTORY.]
A. adj. Of or pertaining to an executor. b. Scots Law. Pertaining to the execution of a warrant, etc. c. Canon Law. Executorial Letters (med.L. litteræ executoriæ or executoriales): a mandate issued by the Pope requiring the collation of a specified clergyman to a benefice.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa (1811), VIII. 275. Excuse me, Sir, for the sake of my executorial duty and promise.
1754. Erskine, Princ. Sc. Law (1809), 35. In this office are sealed … letters of executorial diligence.
1767. Blackstone, Comm., II. 508. Letters of administration … whereby an executorial power to collect and administer … is vested in him.
1796. Burney, Mem. Metastasio, I. 68. I received … the executorial letters against Cardinal Coscia.
1850. G. P. R. James, Old Oak Chest, I. 49. Two lawyers were also there, arranging the executorial affairs.
1865. Mrs. Whitney, Gayworthys, lx. His legal and executorial bag.
† B. sb. Scots Law. ‘Any legal authority employed for executing a decree or sentence of court’ (Jamieson). Obs.
1525. Q. Margt. (Scotl.), in Miss M. A. E. Wood, Lett. R. & Illust. Ladies (1852), I. 371. In like manner we have superseded executorials and sharp process which we have on him.
1640. Act 34 Chas. I. (1870), V. 287. The estates of parliament … ordeanes þe lordis of Sessione to grant lettiris and other executoriellis againest the excommunicat prelates.
1728. in Mem. Domestica (1889), 12. Letters of horning and all other executorials may pass hereupon.
