a person who possesses great power, as a sovereign, monarch, or ruler.

What does potentate mean?

potentate • \POH-tun-tayt\ • noun. : ruler, sovereign; broadly : one who wields great power or sway. Examples: His work as a high-level diplomat frequently brings him into contact with foreign potentates.

What does illustrious potentate mean?

ILLUSTRIOUS SIR – The title preceding the name of a Shriner who is serving, or has served, as a Potentate of his temple. LADY – The title preceding the name of the wife of any Shriner. The wife of a Potentate or the Imperial Potentate is referred to as the First Lady.