IN PATRIA POTESTATE

in patria potestate (in pay-tree-[schwa] [orpa-tree-[schwa]] poh-tes-tay-tee). [Latin] Roman law. (Of a person) in the power of the father or a senior male ascendant; subject to patria potestas. • Uncles and brothers never had power over nephews or younger brothers. See patria potestas under POTESTAS; SUB POTESTATE. Cf. SUI JURIS.