a man who, by virtue of a commission from the Ordinary, Surrogate, Court of Probate, or other proper authority, has the charge of the goods and estate of one dying without a will.

One who administers, or who directs, manages, distributes, or dispenses laws and rites, either in civil, judicial, political, or ecclesiastical affairs.

In Scots law, a tutor, curator or guardian, having the care of one who is incapable of acting for himself. The term is usually applied to a father who has power over his children and their estate, during their minority.