quo warranto

[ kwoh waw-ran-toh, wo- ]

noun

, Law.

1. (formerly, in England) a writ calling upon a person to show by what authority they claim an office, franchise, or liberty.
2. (in England and the United States) a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.
3. the pleading initiating a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated to determine by what authority one has an office, franchise, or liberty.

quo warranto

/ ˈkwəʊ wɒˈræntəʊ /

noun

1. law a proceeding initiated to determine or (formerly) a writ demanding by what authority a person claims an office, franchise, or privilege

Word History and Origins

Origin of quo warranto¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Medieval Latin quō warrantō “by what warrant”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quo warranto¹

from Medieval Latin: by what warrant

Example Sentences

As the actions of slander and libel have been described, only two others require notice, mandamus and quo warranto.

From Project Gutenberg

On the issue of the writ of quo warranto, the business of the colony's agents in London was at an end.

From Project Gutenberg

Should the Board of Trade accept these accusations, what could preserve the Colony from a quo warranto?

From Project Gutenberg

So summons of quo warranto were served upon them, which frightened the smaller corporations and brought down their charters.

From Project Gutenberg

Gentlemen of the Jury, this charge is a quo warranto against all Freedom of Speech.

From Project Gutenberg