What term describes the authority of the paterfamilias over his wife?

The term that describes the authority of the paterfamilias over his wife is "manus." In Roman law and society, manus refers to the legal power that a husband had over his wife during marriage, which included control over her property and the ability to make decisions on her behalf. This authority represented a significant aspect of the marital relationship in ancient Rome, indicating the hierarchical nature of gender relations at the time.

Patria potestas, while also related to authority within the family, specifically pertains to the power of the paterfamilias over his children. Dominica potestas relates to the authority over slaves. Consensio refers to a mutual agreement, often concerning the rights and duties in relationships, but does not denote specific authority. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the nature of familial and marital structures in Roman society.