1. Referring to a person who shows great dignity and authority: The new principal at school had a magisterial tone of voice and appearance that resulted in great respect from all the students.
2. Descriptive of an individual who behaves in an overbearing or dictatorial way: Sally didn't like her new teacher because she was very magisterial, pompous, and domineering.
3. Relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's official functions: There were many magisterial documents on the lawyer's desk.
4. Produced by or characteristic of a teacher, scholar, or expert: Mrs. Jones certainly was known for her magisterial methods of teaching because she had great skill and knowledge in her subject area.
5. Relating to or characteristic of a magistrate: The judge read the verdict in a magisterial voice and with gravity.