adjective
always used before a noun :of or relating to the job or work of someone in a position of authority
a - used to describe something that is said in a public way by someone in a position of authority
b - used to describe something that is done in a public and often formal way
always used before a noun :proper for or used by someone who has a position of authority
always used before a noun :having authority
permitted, accepted, or approved by the government or by a person or organization that has authority
noun
plural -cials
[count] a person who has a position of authority in a company, organization, or government :a person who holds an office
a person (such as a referee or umpire) who makes sure that players are following the rules of a game