author, n. creator, originator, father; _littérateur_, writer.

authority, n. dominion, jurisdiction, authorization, right; prestige,
influence, ascendency, supremacy; precedent; justification, warrant;
permission, sanction, permit, license, warranty; credibility, reliability,
trustworthiness. Associated Word: purview.

authorize, v. empower, commission; sanction, warrant, justify,
confirm.

authorless, a. anonymous.

autocracy, n. absolutism, despotism, dictatorship; self government,
autonomy.

autocratic, a. absolute, despotic, arbitrary.

automatic, a. self-propelling, self-moving; involuntary, mechanical.

autopsy, n. necropsy, post-mortem examination.

auxiliary, n. assistant, coadjutor, helper.

avarice, n. cupidity.

avaricious, a. covetous, greedy.

average, a. medium, ordinary, mediocre, middling.