Definition of Administrator

in the most usual sense of the word, is a person to whom letters of administration, that is, an authority to administer the estate of a deceased person, have been granted by the proper court He resembles an executor, but, being appointed by the court, and uot by the deceased, he has to give security for the due administration of the estate, by entering into a bond with sureties, called the administration bond. Smith v. Gentry, 16 Ga. 31; Collamore v. Wilder, 19 Kan. 78. By the law of Scotland the father is what is called the "administrator-in-law" for his children. As such, he is ipso jure their tutor while they are pupils, and their curator during their minority. The father's power extends over whatever estate may descend to his children, unless where that estate has been placed by the donor or grantor under the charge of special trustees or managers. This power in the father ceases by the child's discontinuing to reside with him, unless he continues to live at the father's expense; and with regard to daughters, it ceases on their marriage, the husband being the legal curator of his wife. Bell. A public administrator is an officer authorized by the statute law of several of the states to superintend the settlement of estates of persons dying without relatives entitled to administer. In the civil law. A manager or conductor of affairs, especially the affairs of another, in his name or behalf. A manager of public affairs in behalf of others. Calvin. A public officer, ruler, or governor. Nov. 95, gl.; Cod. 12, 8.
—Domestic administrator. One appointed at the place of the domicile of the decedent; distinguished from a foreign or an ancillary administrator.
—Foreign administrator. One appointed or qualified under the laws of a foreign state or country, where the decedent was domiciled.