noun
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a person who appeals
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law the party who appeals to a higher court from the decision of a lower tribunal
adjective
Etymology
Origin of appellant
1400–50; late Middle English appellaunt < Anglo-French; Old French apelant, present participle of apeler to appeal; see -ant
Compare meaning
How does appellant compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
An appellant is someone who has filed a request asking a judge to change an earlier legal decision. When someone who's been convicted of a crime files an appeal, hoping for a different outcome in a new courtroom, they become an appellant. Usually with the help of an attorney, the appellant submits written arguments in favor of an appeal to a judge. The opposing side does the same, and the judge decides whether or not the case warrants another trial. Appellant is from the French appeller, "make an appeal," and a Latin root meaning "appeal to."
Vocabulary lists containing appellant
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Given these circumstances, it is unconscionable and indefensible for Appellant to be held in contempt in any manner, must less at the inordinate expense of $10,000 per day,” she said.
From Seattle Times • May 2, 2022
“Upon due consideration, it is hereby ordered that the Appellant’s motion for an injunction pending appeal is denied because the Appellant has failed to meet the requisite standard,” the court wrote in its order.
From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2017
Appellant Hooker fears an excruciatingly painful, prolonged, and undignified death,” the motion read.
From Washington Times • Oct. 22, 2015
Though Appellant had little formal education beyond high school, he had significant practical business experience.
From Forbes • Sep. 2, 2014
From Scotland the English king marched to London, to commence the great struggle which led to the impeachment of Suffolk and the rise of the Lords Appellant.
From An Outline of the Relations between England and Scotland (500-1707) by Rait, Robert S.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
