tative copy 
n., The instantiation of a record that is considered by the creator to be its official record and is usually subject to procedural controls that are not required for other instantiations. [Archives] 
n., A record that is considered by the creator to be its official record and is usually subject to procedural controls that are not required for other copies. The identification of authoritative records corresponds to the designation of an office of primary responsibility as one of the components o