A chancery writ authorizing the performance of certain judicial or ministerial acts.
Definition of Dedimus Potestatem
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Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition and Ballentine's Law Dictionary as are available for each term in each dictionary.
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Ballentine's Law Dictionary -
Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition(We have given power.) In English practice. A writ or commission issuing out of chancery, empowering the persons named therein to peri form certain acts, as to administer oaths to defendants in chancery and take their answers, to administer oaths of office to justices of the peace, etc. 3 BL Comm. 447. It was anciently allowed for many purposes not now in use, as to make an attorney, to take the acknowledgment of a fine, etc. In the United States, a commission to take testimony is sometimes termed a "dedimus potestatem." Buddicum v. Kirk, 3 Cranch, 293, 2 In Ed. 444; Sergeant's Lessee v. Biddle, 4 Wheat. 508, 4 In Ed. 627