EXEQUATUR, the letter patent, issued by a foreign office and signed by a sovereign, which guarantees to a foreign consul the rights and privileges of his office, and ensures his recognition in the State in which he is appointed to exercise them. If a consul is not appointed by commission he receives no exequatur ; and a notice in the Gazette in this case has to suffice. "Exequatur" is also used, in some countries of Europe, of the order made by a court authorizing the enforcement of a foreign judgment.