Origin: Latin suffix -ate
Magistrate has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)
"The local magistrate quickly dismissed the trespassing charge after hearing just a few words from both sides."
A judicial officer with limited authority to administer and enforce the law. A magistrate's court may have jurisdiction in civil or criminal cases, or both.
"The local magistrate dismissed the minor traffic citation after hearing the driver explain that he was rushing a family member to the hospital."