mandate in WordNet English dictionary

1. a document giving an official instruction or command
   mandate  authorization  authorisation 
   
2. the commission that is given to a government and its policies through an electoral victory
   mandate 
   
3. a territory surrendered by Turkey or Germany after World War I and put under the tutelage of some other European power until they are able to stand by themselves
   mandate  mandatory 
   

1. assign authority to
   mandate 
   
2. make mandatory
   "the new director of the school board mandated regular tests"
   mandate 
   
3. assign under a mandate
   "mandate a colony"
   mandate