prerogative

Meanings

1. An exclusive hereditary or official right or privilege.
2. A right, or power that is exclusive to a monarch etc, especially such a power to make a decision or judgement.
3. A right, especially when due to one's position or role.
4. A property, attribute or ability which gives one a superiority or advantage over others; an inherent advantage or privilege; a talent.

1. Having a hereditary or official right or privilege.
2. Characterized by lawless state actions, as in a prerogative state.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman prerogative (noun), from Latin praerogātīva (“previous verdict; claim, privilege”), noun use of the feminine singular of praerogātīvus (“having first vote; privileged”).