Definition of "moral authority" []

• The quality or characteristic of being respected for having good character or knowledge, especially as a source of guidance or an exemplar of proper conduct. (noun)

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• "The moral authority of the œcumenical patriarch over the other Churches is null; consequently it stands to reason he has no dogmatic privileges."
• "Neal, a wizard, not a sorcerer like Brother Narev, always seemed to feel, the need to prove his moral authority around Richard."